Tanagra Terracotta Figurine of a Young Eros

Ancient Greece, The Hellenistic period, c. 320-200 BC, Tanagra, Boeotia, Greece.

Magnificent hollow Tanagra figure represents a young boy, most likely seated Eros tightly wrapped in a heavy himation pulled over his head. The Tanagra figurines were a mold-cast type of Greek terracotta figurines produced from the later fourth century BC, named after the Boeotian town of Tanagra, where many were excavated and which has given its name to the whole class. The Tanagra figurines refers to a group of draped females, but also sometimes of children and men. 

The childlike god with round face and finely waved hair, which is typically towering above the forehead. The Eros sits on a rock, his body with childlike curves on the arms and legs. Eros holding a large kithara or lyre. Good condition. Professionally repaired with some break lines visible. Age-related wear and abrasion. Remains of white pigment. Mineral encrustation, soil and dust. Size approx. 10,5cm x 4,5cm x 4,5cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Ancient Greek Tanagra Figurines, Alexander Mirtchev, 2022.(https://www.mirtchevtanagra.org/)

Tanagra Figurines, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Department of Greek and Roman Art, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2004. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tafg/hd_tafg.htm)

Tanagras: Figurines for Life and Eternity, The Musée du Louvre’s Collection of Greek Figurines, Violaine Jeammet, American Journal of Archaeology, 2012. (https://www.ajaonline.org/book-review/1050)