Three female terracotta figures. Roman period, 1st century B.C.–2nd century A.D.

Set of three female terracotta figures. Roman period, 1st century B.C.–2nd century A.D.
Molded terracotta.
With individual display pedestals.
Provenance: Family bequest from Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. An archaeological collection assembled beginning in the 1950s by successive generations of the family through purchases at European galleries and auction houses.
Measurements: 6.9 cm, 9.1 cm, and 7.5 cm in height, respectively (without bases).
Weight: 102 g; 70 g; and 54 g, respectively.

A set of three small terracotta figures attributed to the Roman period, characterized by the schematic rendering of facial features and the attention paid to hairstyles and headdresses.

The first depicts a female head with a rounded face, softly modeled features, and hair arranged in an elaborate style, with strands falling across the forehead and a high bun. The second is a partially preserved figure with an upright torso and a head adorned with a headdress, with bent arms and modeled elements close to the body. The third features a female head with pronounced features, framed by a voluminous, gathered hairstyle decorated with incisions.

The production of small terracotta figurines was widespread throughout the Greco-Roman world, with particular development in the workshops of the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt. These pieces included representations of a domestic, votive, and ornamental nature, among which were female figures with hairstyles and headdresses inspired by the fashions of different eras. The collection exhibits characteristics associated with this tradition of terracotta figurine production.

All three pieces retain traces of surface deposits and show signs of wear and loss. They are accompanied by individual pedestals made for their display.