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The Art Institute of Chicago
Statuette of a Female Figure
Description
Cycladic sculpture is characterized by the abstract treatment of the human form. The vast majority of the white marble statuettes depict pregnant females, suggesting an association with fertility or regenerative forces. Although they are admired today for their stark simplicity, these statuettes once had hair, eyes, jewelry, or other ornaments added in red, blue, and black pigment, which has since faded.
Provenance
Unknown private collection, London, by about 1947 [according to letter in curatorial file]; sold to B.C. Holland of Objects Inc., Chicago, by June 5, 1978 [receipt no. 36220 in curatorial file]; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1978.
Dimensions
39.9 × 11.6 × 4.9 cm (15 11/16 × 4 9/16 × 1 15/16 in.)
Movement / Period
Accession No
52201
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Cycladic; probably from the island of Keros
early cycladic • Kéa • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery