Portrait Head of a Young Woman c. 400

This is a portrait head of a young woman, made from terracotta by an anonymous artist. Terracotta sculptures like this one were common in the ancient Mediterranean, including areas around modern-day Greece and Italy. Without more information about the precise time and location of its making, it is hard to know its function or what the head represents. However, we can say that in that culture, images played an important social role. Statues of gods were crucial in religious rituals and the Greeks and Romans used portraiture to celebrate political leaders and important citizens. The wreath worn by the figure indicates high social status and possible connections to religious ceremonies. Art historians can use archaeological records, ancient texts, and comparative analysis to understand the context of such artworks. This helps us understand the role of art in shaping social values. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context, which makes the work of historians so important.