Greek Terracotta Head of a Maenad

An ancient Greek terracotta head of a Maenad wearing a diadem over a tiered coiffure of tight curls.

Lokri.

Ca. early 5th century BC.

Height: 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm).

Maenads (also Bacchantes) were the frenzied female members of the retinue of Dionysos, the Greek god of wine and revelry (Roman: Bacchus). Maenads, literally “the raving ones,” were often depicted in Greek art as wild and ecstatic women who indulged in sex, violence, and intoxication.

cf.: P. Bol, Bildwerke aus Terrakotta aus Mykenischer bis Romischer Zeit, (1986), pp. 64-65, no. 34; E. Berger, Antike Kunstwerke aus der Sammlung Ludwig, vol II, pp. 149-153, nos. 188-194.

Formerly in the S. G. collection, New York.

Inv#: 3515

Guaranteed Authentic

$7,000