This terracotta is of a stylized women and as with Coptic art we find influence from many cultures. This artifact measures 6 inches and is damaged as shown. Circa 5th century AD.
Originally the term "Copt" referred to the native people who lived in Egypt (opposed to the Arabs or Greeks) who invaded Egypt. The term later became a religious one referring to Christian Egyptians. The Coptic period therefore starts at the 1st millennium of the Christian era, when Christianity thrived in Egypt. Coptic artist draws inspiration and influence from ancient Egypt, classic Greece, Rome and Near Eastern art. Although Coptic art is in general associated with Christianity, many of its motifs are clearly non-Christian in form as with this example. The style of Coptic art evolved from the late antique art of Egypt, retaining Greek and Roman influences. The stylistic nature of Coptic art moved away from the "natural" style we see in Greek and Roman art of the human form. Outlines and detail are very simplified and this terracotta women is an excellent example of this style. Some of the archaeological sites are El-Bagawat, Oxyrhynchus, Sakkara, Bawit, and Antinoë.
Provenance: Collected by Gustave Jéquier (1868-1946)
Ex. Billy Jamieson Collection, 2009 (1954-2011)
Authentication: Gayle Gibson, Royal Ontario Museum Toronto
