Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA PREGNANT FEMALE FIGURE

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA PREGNANT FEMALE FIGURE PLAYING THE DOUBLE FLUTE - TL TESTED - Ca. 6th century BC A sculpture representing a female deity wearing a semi-transparent garment that outlines her form, with particular emphasis on the prominent abdomen, suggesting pregnancy. She is most likely assimilated to the goddess Astarte, protector of the household and mother goddess, associated with fertility, life, nature, and sexuality. She is also venerated in relation to childbirth and conception, and is therefore often shown with a swollen abdomen. 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: 39.7 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.