Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA NUDE PREGNANT FEMALE

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA NUDE PREGNANT FEMALE FIGURE IN RITUAL POSE - Ca. 4th - 3rd century BC A terracotta sculpture representing a female deity wearing a semi-transparent garment that outlines her figure, 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. Also venerated in connection with childbirth and conception, she is frequently depicted with a swollen 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: 43 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.