SculptureSyro-Hittite

Group of Two Human Figures

c. 2000 BCE, or modern

Description

Two simplified human figures with relatively large heads share a base. Both have prominent noses, large, concave eyes, and a horizontal line indicating the mouth. The genitalia identify the taller figure as a man, the smaller one as a woman. Both have flat breasts and wear what looks like a belt. The man is equipped with a baldric; his right hand is hollow and could have held a spear. The woman raises her left hand to her face and holds what may be a cup in her right hand. Two incised straps cross over her chest. The couple was likely cast in the lost-wax process, perhaps with some cold-working. The head of the man is inclined to the front. The patina is dark brown, covered with a thin, light gray-greenish layer and light brown accretions.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Cast, lost-wax process

Medium

Arsenical copper

Culture

Syro-Hittite

Period

Bronze Age, Middle

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

10.2 × 4.6 × 2 cm (4 × 1 13/16 × 13/16 in.)

Provenance

[Charles D. Kelekian, New York (by 1952-1982)], by descent; to [Kelekian Associates, New York (1982-1992)], by descent; to Nanette Rodney Kelekian, New York (1992-2021), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums. NOTE: "Kelekian Associates" was formed at the death of Charles D. Kelekian by Nanette Rodney Kelekian and her mother Beatrice Kelekian. Upon Beatrice Kelekian’s death in 1992, ownership passed to Nanette Rodney Kelekian.