33. Statuette of a Woman, known as the

“Lady of Auxerre”, Greek, Daedalic style,

2nd half of the 7th century B.C.E.

Limestone, paint, height: 75 cm.

Musée du Louvre, Paris.

 

 

This limestone sculpture is a testimony to the intense artistic activity that took place in the eastern regions of the Mediterranean basin during the Daedelic period in Greece. It was found in the storeroom of the Auxerre Museum in 1907 without any information regarding its initial discovery. It is an example of sculpture from the Daedalic period seen from the U-shaped face, thick strands of hair and the meticulous, stylistic detailing. Since nothing is known of its origin it is hard to identify the person being depicted and determine its different gestures. The woman could either be a goddess since many terra cotta figurines of Middle Eastern divinities that specifically highlight sexual attributes were being created during the same period. Another possibility could be the representation of a servant in a fertility cult or even the dedicator herself making a gesture in prayer.