Draped Woman with a Peaked Cap and Veil

Almost completely wrapped in her mantle, which is pulled over her peaked cap like a veil, this draped woman with a peaked cap and a veil over the cap, this woman stands with her right arm bent and her weight on her right leg. She is placed on a round base; traces of blue paint are visible on her shoes.
Although generally referred to as Tanagra figurines after the most famous findspot, Tanagra (modern Schimatari) in Boeotia, Greece, statuettes of this type have been found at other sites in the ancient world, including Myrina and Smyrna (modern Izmir) in Asia Minor. The most common forms of the statuettes depict young women sitting, standing, or in the process of graceful movement, but there are also examples showing men or children. The statuettes were used as grave offerings, votives, decorative objects, and perhaps toys. The hair, clothing, skin, and jewelry of the pieces were originally painted, although most of the colors are presently faded.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Joseph Brummer Gallery, Inc. New York, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, by purchase, 1925; Walters Art Museum, by bequest, 1931