Tanagras

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Craftsmanship flourished in the Hellenistic age as Greek expansion opened new markets to artisans and their patrons worldwide. Precious materials like gold, silk, and ivory became more accessible, and rising private wealth created a demand for skilled craftsmen who could work them. Alexandria in Egypt earned its reputation as a center of luxury goods production, including fine glass, faience, metalwork, and sculpture. Small-scale sculptures crafted from marble, bronze, and terracotta were produced throughout the Hellenistic world. Some pieces traveled far from their place of manufacture, promoting the widespread circulation of new subjects and styles. It is often challenging to determine whether a particular small-scale sculpture was designed for sacred or secular use: very similar objects have been discovered in tombs and sanctuaries, as well as decorating private homes. During the Hellenistic period, many new types of terracotta figures were created, inspired by larger-scale sculptures. These statuettes represented the wealthy elite, dressed in the latest fashions, and many still preserve their original bright colors. They were mould-made, allowing for repeated production of types with added attributes for variety. The statuettes served both domestic and funerary functions. The term "Tanagra" was coined because many examples were discovered at Tanagra, a city in central Greece; however, such figures were produced in workshops across the Mediterranean, distinguishable by the type of clay used. See galleries 69 and 73 for additional examples of this type of statuette.