Tanagras

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Human skills flourished during the Hellenistic era as the Greek world expanded, opening new markets to artisans and their patrons. The availability of precious materials such as gold, silk, and ivory increased significantly, and rising private wealth created a demand for skilled labor in working these materials. Egypt's Alexandria became famous as a center for producing luxury goods like fine glass, faience, metalwork, and sculpture. Small-scale sculptures crafted from marble, bronze, and terracotta were produced throughout the Hellenistic world. Some pieces traveled extensively, spreading new subjects and styles widely. It can be challenging to determine whether a particular small-scale sculpture was intended for sacred or secular use: similar objects have been discovered in tombs and sanctuaries as well as in private homes. During this period, many innovative types of terracotta figures were created, often inspired by larger-scale sculptures. These statuettes depicted the wealthy elite dressed in the latest fashions and preserved their original bright colors. They were mass-produced using molds, allowing for repetition with occasional variations added. The statuettes served both domestic and funerary purposes. These small figurines are known as "Tanagras" because many examples were found at Tanagra, a city located in central Greece, but they were also produced in workshops throughout the Mediterranean. The type of clay used can help identify regional workshops. To see more examples, visit galleries 69 and 73.