Bidspirit auction | A PALMYRENE STYLE TERRACOTTA FUNERARY

A PALMYRENE STYLE TERRACOTTA FUNERARY RELIEF BUST OF A NOBLEWOMAN, POSSIBLY CIRCA 2ND - 3RD CENTURY AD - This is a high-relief terracotta funerary bust of a woman, carved in the Palmyrene style typical of the 2nd to early 3rd century AD. The figure is presented frontally against a rectangular backing slab and is depicted from the waist up. She wears a layered tunic and a heavy cloak, or palla, draped over her head and shoulders. The noblewoman is adorned with extensive jewellery, including an elaborate diadem decorated with a row of circular rosettes worn under a veil, multiple necklaces comprising a tight choker and a strand with dangling pear-shaped pendants, large trapezoidal earrings, and multiple bangles on each wrist. A prominent triangular fibula secures the cloak at her left shoulder. Her facial features are stylised with large, almond-shaped eyes and defined pupils, with wavy locks of hair visible beneath the diadem. Her right hand is raised towards her chest in a traditional funerary gesture, while her left hand appears to hold a fold of her garment. H: Approximately 52cm