ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Greek Terracotta Comic Mask, ex Ernst Pfuhl, 3rd Century BC

Rare terracotta New Comedy mask of a hilarious elder woman. The elongated face with emphasized upper lids, hooked nose, and wide open mouth.

The hairdo parted with two buns on top. Tiny holes for suspension behind. Remains of white coating.

Comedic female character of the New Comedy, designed to make the audience laugh.

For comparable examples, cf. masks C6 and mainly C7, pp. 53-55, in: Luigi Bernabò Brea. Menandro e il teatro Greco nelle terracotte liparesi. Genova 1981.

Small terracotta replicas of masks served as souvenirs of theatrical performances, as offerings to Dionysos, or as burial objects.

Intact, fine condition.

H. 6.4 cm (2.5 in)

Ex collection of Ernst Pfuhl (1876-1940), Basel, renowned classical archaeologist and art historian.

Thence Galerie Fischer Luzern, 21 May 1941 sale, part of lot 232 (with copy of the catalogue entry).

Auction house owner Theodor Fischer gifts the piece to a friend in July 02, 1941 (copy of the accompanying note and list of objects joined).

1450 USD
 

Published with: Galerie Fischer Auktion, Luzern. Ägyptische, griechische, etruskische, römische Altertümer, Sammlung Prof. Dr. Ernst Pfuhl, Basel, Sammlung Dr. Philipp Lederer, Lugano und anderer Besitz. Luzern 1941.