Votive mirror. Greece, 5th century BC.

Votive mirror. Greece, 5th century BC.
Terracotta
Provenance: Private collection, Mr. Schoulmers, Belgium. Purchased at Sotheby's, New York, December 17, 1996.
Publications: Sotheby's, Antiquities, New York, December 17, 1996, lot 272.
Attached thermoluminescence test.
Good state of preservation, only has a transverse break line in the upper area professionally restored.
Measurements: 37 cm. height.

Important votive mirror in terracotta belonging to the classical Greek period, piece of remarkable size and singular character within this typology. The composition presents a standing female figure -probably linked to a divinity or offerer- holding a circular disc on her head, interpreted as a symbolic specular surface.

This type of object, beyond its practical function, acquired a profound ritual and votive meaning, associated with the feminine sphere, beauty and the cult of divinities such as Aphrodite. The formal simplification and the schematic character of the modeling respond to productions destined to sanctuaries, where the symbolic value prevails over naturalism.

The upper disk, surrounded by small projections, reinforces its interpretation as a ritual object, while the lower figure provides verticality and compositional support. The piece stands out for its unusual scale and its complete typological legibility.

It has documented provenance in the international market and publication in Sotheby's catalog, which reinforces its collector interest. It is accompanied by a thermoluminescence test.