Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA NUDE PREGNANT FEMALE

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA NUDE PREGNANT FEMALE FIGURE - Ca. 6th century BC A terracotta sculpture representing a female deity, 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 prominent abdomen. The sculpture forms part of a group of Phoenician terracottas discovered underwater in the 1950s, possibly originating from Phoenician temples and intended as votive figures depicting the Phoenicians and their principal activities. Size: 34 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.