Marble female figure

Technical Analysis: Multiband imaging, X-ray radiography, optical microscopy, micro X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy


This standing female figure, carved from a block of extremely fine-grained (maximum grain size < 0.5 mm), poorly-crystallized, greyish-green marble, was restored from five fragments. It is of the Plastiras type—the earliest known, naturalistic rendering of the human form in the Cyclades. Figures of the Plastiras type display a plasticity of human forms achieved through relief and incised details. This figure has an oval head, carved flat at the top, an aquiline nose in high relief, a thick, horizontal brow with incised details, and eyes with pupils indicated as shallow, almond-shaped incised forms. A single, short horizontal incision describes the mouth, and thick, hemispherical forms comprise the ears that are carved at the same level as the brow. All of the features are rendered in the top half of the facial plane so that the chin is disproportionately long and broad. A curvilinear incision delineates it from the long, cylindrical neck. Another curvilinear incision indicates the base of the neck.

Rounded shoulders and arms follow the perimeter of the flat, rectangular chest with two small cylindrical breasts. The forearms are bent at right angles so that the hands, each with five fingers, meet above the belly. The belly, with an incised navel, is narrower than the chest and has parallel incisions that may indicate a post-partum state. Incised lines describe a long, wide pubic triangle with a short vertical line indicating the vulva. The full round hips taper toward the figure’s short cylindrical legs with thickened mounds at the knees and disproportionately short calves. Five short incisions on the small, slightly feet indicate six toes each.


The back of the figure is relatively flat with incised lines outlining the shoulders and forearms. A long vertical incision indicates the spine and the separation of the slightly full buttocks. Two horizontal incisions at the back of the knees and the noted thickening around the front may suggest that the knees are bent.


The general outline of the figure recalls the violin-shaped type, here combined with naturalistic elements mainly seen in the Plastiras-type. The type of marble from which this figure was carved and the unique rendering of its facial features suggest the need for further examination.(1)


The overall surface is covered with whitish accretions. Following modern restoration, there are adhesive joins at the top and base of the neck, across the waist, and in the left thigh. X-ray imaging shows a restored loss at the back of the left shoulder. The traces of red color on the right cheek and ear have been identified as synthetic organic red pigment. Similarly, superficial traces of a reddish color at the top and back of the head do not appear to be original, but also modern contaminations. Superficial traces of a reddish material at the top and back of the head do not appear to be original. The surface of the figure is worn with old losses on the front of both legs and along the left side from hip to thigh. There is a scattering of recent scrapes and bumps with superficial traces of modern adhesives. The sides of the arms and legs are slightly soiled from handling.


Giorgos Gavalas, Dorothy Abramitis, Linda Borsch, and Federico Carò


(1) See Getz-Gentle, Pat. 2001. Personal Styles in Early Cycladic Sculpture. pp. 12-13, plss. 6. 1-3, 7a, Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, for a discussion of these features regarding chronology.