Statuette of a Standing Woman (Kore) Holding a Flower

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Statuette of a Standing Woman (Kore) Holding a Flower

Place of OriginMagna Graecia, South Italy

Date6th century BCE

DimensionsH: 18 7/8 in. (47.9 cm); W: 4 3/4 in. (12 cm); Depth: 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)

MediumMold-made and hand-finished earthenware with slip

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.81

Not on View

DescriptionA large terracotta statuette of a standing female figure, modeled in the round. She stands frontally, draped in a chiton. Her right arm is folded against her chest, holding a flower. Her left arm is bent at the elbow and extended outward with the palm facing up. The skirt of the chiton is pulled upward toward the left knee, suggesting tension from a hand that is not present in that position. The figure is composed of distinct molded sections: the legs and buttocks appear to be formed from one scale mold, while the torso is formed from a different mold, resulting in a discrepancy in scale between the upper and lower body. The back of the figure is finished but shows the join lines of the sections.

Label TextThis large terracotta figure represents a kore (maiden), likely a representation of the goddess Persephone or a votary offering dedicated to her. She holds a flower to her chest, a symbol of fertility and nature often associated with the cult of Demeter and Persephone. This figure offers a fascinating look into ancient mass production; it was created by a coroplast (figurine maker) who joined separate molded sections together. A close look reveals that the legs and torso do not perfectly match in scale, suggesting the workshop utilized stock molds to assemble different figures quickly for the votive market.Published ReferencesFragments of Time, Ancient Art XXXV (2004) No. 2a.