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Bronze balsamarium (cosmetics container)

late 4th or early 3rd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 170
Small portable bronze containers in the shape of female heads were very popular items during the Etruscan Hellenistic period, especially at Todi, where several fine examples have been found. Most of the heads seem to be generic females, but some, like this one, may depict a deity, perhaps Turan (Latin: Venus) or Lasa, the nymph-like patroness of lovers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze balsamarium (cosmetics container)
  • Period: Late Classical or Hellenistic
  • Date: late 4th or early 3rd century BCE
  • Culture: Etruscan
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H.: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1911
  • Object Number: 11.91.3
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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