Tanagra statuette head. Greece, Hellenistic period, 6th century BC.

Tanagra statuette head. Greece, Hellenistic period, 6th century BC.
Terracotta.
Provenance: Private collection of Andre and François Kostolany.
André Kostolany (1906-1999) was an investor, economist and writer born in Budapest (then Austro-Hungarian Empire) and naturalized French. He became famous for his psychological and philosophical approach to financial markets.
Measurements: 5,5 cm high; 10,5 cm with stand.

Delicate female head in terracotta belonging to the famous group of the so-called Tanagra figures, one of the most refined and appreciated productions of the minor Greek sculpture. These pieces, originally from Boeotia and spread throughout the Hellenistic world, stand out for their naturalism, elegance and intimate character.

The figure presents a face of soft features, with a serene expression and low gaze, evoking the ideal of feminine beauty typical of Hellenism. The treatment of the hairstyle, carefully structured in gathered wavy locks, reveals the attention to detail characteristic of these workshops, where serial production by means of molds was combined with individualized finishes.

Originally polychrome, these terracottas were intended for both funerary and domestic contexts, acting as objects of private devotion or decorative elements of great sophistication. Their small format contrasts with the artistic quality of their execution, which has made the Tanagras highly valued pieces in classical art collecting.