Bust of a Woman

The head is set on a neck marked by a single Venus ring and must have once belonged to a bust or statue, as suggested by the attachment of the right shoulder. The round, full face has almond-shaped eyes with heavy eyelids, prominent eyebrows, a small, straight nose, and a slightly open mouth with a protruding bottom lip. The hair is drawn back under a banded sakkos, or cloth cap, while thick, heavy curls emerge at the temples, leaving the earlobes visible. The figure is probably dressed in a chiton fastened at the shoulder by a round button. The traits displayed—well attested in Tarentine sculpture—are largely derived from Attic Classical prototypes.