An interesting fragmentary moulded terracotta head of a grotesque. The mask is small and hollow-backed, and the details are well modelled, with well-defined facial features. Loosely mounted on an inexpensive wooden display block.
 
Ancient Greek: Circa 1st century BC/AD.
 
Fine condition.
 
Height 5.2 cms (2 ins)
 
Provenance: Swiss private collection D. E., Basel. Purchased on the Monegasque art market. Before that in French private collection.
 
Grotesque figures became a distinctive feature of the Hellenistic period, reflecting a broader artistic interest in realism and depicting the full range of the human condition, including deformity and old age. Common in the Hellenistic period, they depict exaggerated, caricatured physical deformities and features. These figures, possibly representing mimes, actors, or people with afflictions, were sold as souvenirs or ex-votos and served as a form of visual commentary.