Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA GROUP WITH BIRTH

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA GROUP WITH BIRTH SCENE - Ca. 6th - 4th century BC A sculpture representing a childbirth scene, with a woman giving birth on a special birthing chair with an opening, accompanied by two midwives. The piece before us is one of the most remarkable that can be preserved from the Phoenician period, especially due to its narrative character—the scene it presents is not a single, isolated figure. All the figures have facial features and traits associated with the goddess Astarte as a form of protection during childbirth, undoubtedly conveying the maternal character of this culture. This sculpture forms part of a group of Phoenician terracottas discovered underwater in the 1950s, possibly originating from Phoenician temples and representing the Phoenicians and their principal activities as votive sculptures. Size: 41 cm. Provenance: Private European collection of Ancient Art; Ex New York Antiquities Gallery pre-2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. All items are accompanied by a European export license. Each item has been published and exhibited. A copy of the published book will be provided with each lot.