Description
| ITEM | Tanagra figurine |
| MATERIAL | Pottery |
| CULTURE | Greek |
| PERIOD | 4th – 3rd Century B.C |
| DIMENSIONS | 190 mm x 70 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition, head repaired |
| PROVENANCE | Ex English private collection, J.P., acquired between 1980 – 2009 |
Greek Tanagra figurines are terracotta statuettes that were produced primarily in Boeotia, especially in the city of Tanagra, during the 4th to 2nd centuries BCE. These figurines depict elegantly draped women, youths, and occasional mythological or theatrical characters, reflecting the refined tastes of the Hellenistic period. They were typically mold-made, allowing for mass production, but artisans often individualized them by adding unique details and hand-painted colors. Many Tanagra figurines were originally adorned with delicate pigments, including white, red, blue, and pink, though these colors have often faded over time.
The subject matter of Tanagra figurines is notable for its emphasis on everyday life and fashion, rather than divine or heroic figures. The most common representations show women in fashionable garments, such as the himation (cloak) or chiton (tunic), often posed gracefully, adjusting their veils or holding fans. Some figurines appear to reflect theatrical influences, possibly linked to the popularity of New Comedy, which flourished during the Hellenistic period. The figurines’ realistic and intimate portrayal of human figures suggests they were appreciated for their aesthetic qualities rather than purely religious functions.
Tanagra figurines were used in both domestic and funerary contexts, indicating their role in personal devotion and afterlife beliefs. Many have been discovered in tombs, likely placed there as grave offerings to accompany the deceased, while others were found in houses, suggesting they served as decorative or votive objects. The influence of Tanagra-style figurines spread widely across the Hellenistic world, with similar examples found in Asia Minor, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Their widespread appeal and delicate craftsmanship make them one of the most recognizable artistic achievements of the Hellenistic period.
