Maiden with a Sunhat in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Standing Woman with Hat


Creator: Greek (Artist)

Period: ca. 330-100 BC (Hellenistic)

Medium: terracotta (Ceramics)

Accession Number: 48.294

Measurements: 10 7/16 x 4 5/16 x 2 5/8 in. (26.5 x 11 x 6.6 cm)

Geographies: Greece (Place of Origin)

One of the best-known creations of Hellenistic artists is a type of terracotta (a reddish-colored clay) figurine that depicts individuals. Most of the pieces are elaborately dressed, graceful maidens. The statuettes were painted to imitate the bright colors and embroidered decoration of women's clothing, made of fine wool or linen. Their faces were highlighted with colors that represented the cosmetics in use, including face powder made of lead soaked in vinegar, rouge from seaweed or mulberries, and black eyeliner made with soot. Many Hellenistic women enjoyed affluent lifestyles, although they played limited roles in public life.


Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/19485/standing-woman-with-hat/