Theatrical Masks

  1. Greek
  2. Hellenistic Theatrical Masks
  3. Bronze Tragic Theatrical Mask


Bronze Tragic Theatrical Mask

Hellenistic

replica: from the Greek Ministry of Culture, Athens

gift of: Dept. of Classics, University of Saskatchewan

date of the original: 4th century BC 

provenance of the original: now in the Piraeus Museum

description: Tragic theatrical mask (see also: Clay Tragic Mask) with open eye and mouth holes. Plaster replica with verdigris patina;bronze original. Height 38 cm, width 34 cm, depth 25 cm.

This exhibit is earlier in date than the other masks. The original piece was found in a warehouse in Piraeus, which had likely been burnt during the Roman general Sulla’s attack in 86 BC.

Many of the characteristics of Hellenistic theatrical masks (see also:Theatrical Mask; Clay Comic Mask; Marble Theatrical Mask) are in evidence here, including the large, exaggerated mouth and raised forehead. Obviously its size and weight would have made it impossible to wear in a theatrical production, indicating that it was deocrative in nature.