Female Figure of the Precanonical type

2800–2700 B.C.

Medium

Marble

Dimensions

28.5 × 6.4 cm

Status

In Museum Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-220459

Details in the carving of this Cycladic figure identify it as a precanonical type (about 2800-2700 B.C.)—a transitional phase in the development of this kind of sculpture. Although the partially folded arms foreshadow the later canonical Kapsala and Spedos types (named after Early Cycladic cemeteries on the islands of Amorgos and Naxos, respectively) with completely overlapping arms, the figure is still very much related to the earlier Plastiras type (named after a cemetery on Paros) in its elongated neck, modeled limbs, and hands just meeting on the torso. The sculptor of the piece was also still quite interested in naturalistic details. He sculpted the nose, arms, navel, and knees in relief, and indicated the eyes, brows, and ears with shallow, incised lines. Although the almond-shaped eyes and indications of the brows are related to those features painted on later figures, their sculptural rendering connects them to earlier traditions. The modeling and attempted naturalism of the forearms and hands reflect a short-lived approach taken by some sculptors of precanonical figures.Although the findspot of the great majority of Cycladic figures is unknown, many of those with known co…