Draped Maiden with Wreath

This maiden wears a thick wreath made from grass and flowers decorated with large leaves and a blossom above the brow.

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.

Jean Mikas, Paris and Athens, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Joseph Brummer, 1924, by purchase [Brummer inv. no. P1210] [from Athens]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1925, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.