Female head

Testa femminile
Type: 
Sculpture
Year: 
Early 3rd century B.C.
Material and technique: 
Trachyte
Origin: 
From Orvieto, Umbria
Inventory: 
Inv. MB 204

This piece, from Orvieto, was carved from a hard, dark-gray volcanic stone called trachyte. It must have adorned the front of a monumental tomb or a public monument; similar elements are on the front of Perugia’s Porta Marzia. The woman has an intense expression; her carefully arranged hair is kept in place by ribbons and metal pins. She is wearing a torque and pyramid-shaped earrings. The formal conception of the head and the use of decorative elements (torque, pins, earrings) of different origin make it possible to date the piece to the early 3rd century B.C.

Masterpieces of the hall

The hall

This room displays examples of Etruscan and Phoenician art that enrich the overall picture conceived by Giovanni Barracco for the formation of his collection of artworks from the ancient civilizations that flourished around the Mediterranean basin.