THE GREEK PROTOME

THE GREEK PROTOME

by Joan K. Yanni

An important addition to the Gallery's classical collection is the 5th century BC Protome, presented by Dr. Ralph Alexander in memory of his wife June.

A protome is a type of Greek sculpture, usually female, representing the upper portion of the body.  It is terra-cotta, made in a mold, covered with a slip of white clay and lightly fired prior to the application of painted decoration.

Ours is a fine example in which the outline of the relief conforms to the natural curve of the head and shoulders.  Traces of red ornamentation survive.  The majority of protomes have been excavated from tombs, but their purpose remains to be discovered. They are generally thought to represent a deity, perhaps Persephone or Demeter, both associated with death and afterlife in the Greek religion.  (Docents may make a connection on tours with the bronze statue of Pluto and Persephone in the Baroque room.)