Statue of a woman, known as the "Lady of Auxerre"

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The Lady of Auxerre stands out as a masterpiece of Daedalic style, a renewed form of stone sculpting that marked the Greek world in the seventh century BC. Discovered in 1907 in the storeroom of the Auxerre museum, the statuette's origin remains unclear, but its exceptional craftsmanship is undeniable. The U-shaped face, heavy stepped hair, and strict frontality are hallmarks of Daedalic style, which takes its name from Daedalus, credited with creating the first statues in ancient times. Unresolved identity The context surrounding the discovery of the statuette makes it difficult to identify the person depicted or determine the meaning behind the right hand's gesture. Some believe this is an image of a goddess, noting the many terracotta figurines from Middle Eastern divinities that highlight their sexual attributes. Others see this statue as a simple mortal, possibly a servant of a fertility cult or even the dedicator making a prayerful gesture. Resurgence of stone sculpture in Crete during the Orientalizing period This work showcases the intense artistic activity that took place in the eastern Mediterranean region during the Orientalizing period. Greek artisans spread techniques and decorative motifs from Egypt and the Near East, blending these models with their own traditions. The Auxerre statuette was created in Crete around 640-620 BC, assigned to this location due to the type of limestone used and similarities between the young woman's costume, gesture, and face with works discovered on the island. Comparing the statuette with funerary materials excavated at Eleutherna in northern Crete suggests it was found in this necropolis in the late nineteenth century.