Magna Graecia, South Italic, Apulia, probably Tarentum, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. An exquisite section of a terracotta relief depicting a banquet scene, traditionally used for Classical funerary reliefs and as votive offerings to the gods. Here we see a female figure, presumably a goddess or heroine dining at the funerary banquet of the elite deceased, wearing a lovely headdress adorned with fruit and flower motifs and a long chiton with cascading folds hugging her curvaceous body. She reclines upon a columnated structure and holds a large kantharos (a vessel very much characteristic of Apulia with twin vertical handles, a ribbed body, and a stemmed foot) most likely filled with wine in her left hand, part of the ritual funerary meal. Fruits, cakes, and incense burners were also featured at such funerary banquets. Her visage and hands demonstrate the ancient Greek sculptor's penchant for naturalism and appreciation of human anatomy; however, like most funerary sculpture of the period, the figure is probaby not an actual portrait, but instead represents a general type. A wonderful example, replete with refined technique, the utmost artistry, and symbolic iconography. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: relief itself measures 11.875" W x 15.5" H (30.2 cm x 39.4 cm); on stand 19.125" H (48.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Orange County, CA collection

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