Tanagra sitting on a massive armchair.
Obviously a lady of higher rank is depicted here as Tanagra. Her bonnet has an extension, perhaps a veil, which can cover her face if necessary.
The massive armchair, which resembles a throne, is ornately decorated at the upper corners. The lady is dressed in a chiton, a loose-fitting multi-layered garment that reaches down to her feet. She has placed her hands on her thighs.
Exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens,
Replica true to original in size and material.
The paint was applied by hand.
Tanagra figures
Grave goods named after the city of Tanagra in eastern Boeotia - 40 km north-northwest of Athens - in the form of mostly female, finely worked terracotta figures ranging in size from 5 cm to 30 cm. The production of Tanagra reached its peak in the 3rd century BC. The firing gases escaped from the hollow interior of the closed figure through a usually rectangular small opening in the back, which was intended to prevent the artwork from cracking or splitting due to the expanding hot air during firing.
