Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA CLOTHED FEMALE FIGURE

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA CLOTHED FEMALE FIGURE - TL TESTED - Ca. 6th - 4th century BC A 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 the protector in moments of childbirth and conception, and is therefore often shown with a prominent 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: 46.5 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.