Représentation Féminine des Cyclades

Between 3200 and 2000 B.C. a highly developed culture flourished on the Cyclades—archipelago in the Aegean Sea. There were fortified, heavily populated settlements, prosperous through sea trade. The art of sculpting was one of the most important aspects of this early culture. The sculptures were mostly executed in beautiful white marble that was amply available on the islands. The Cycladic art of sculpting is classified in three types, based on chronology and style. The Spedos-type, named after a burial site on the island of Naxos, is the one most well known. Little is known about the exact meaning of the female figurines. Some decrations seem to indicate an association with motherhood and fertility. Many of the figurines are found on burial sites which leads to the assummption that they were used during funeral ceremonies. Famous European artists like Hepworth, Moore, Picasso and Modigliani have been inspired by this completely unique style.