bavarikon4UDescription
One of the best preserved ancient terracotta figures worldwide is "The Beautiful". Created in the early third century BC, it was discovered near Athens. In contrast to most other clay figures, the surface of which suffered from the humidity while being stored in the ground, it still possesses its original, delicate colouring.
Her brown hair is gathered in the so-called “melon hairstyle”. Over the sleeveless chiton, an under garment, she wears a thin pale-yellow cloak with a wide blue hem, through which the flesh-colour of her arms may be perceived. The abundance of fabric in the garment does not invite fast movement, but requires elegance and graceful control of the body. The young daughter of a citizen who has reached marriageable age here demonstrates such appropriate behaviour in an exemplary manner.
Such terracotta figures were found in large numbers in Greek graves. It is not entirely clear what purpose they were meant to serve there: were they personal favourites of the deceased or gifts of the surviving relatives.