Apulian Red-Figure Plate with Female Head, South Italy, 4th Century BC

Elegant Apulian red-figure ceramic plate from Magna Graecia (Southern Italy). The interior is centered by a finely rendered female head in left profile, adorned with an elaborate sakkos and delicate jewelry. The artist skillfully accentuated the coiffure, necklace, and ornamental details with added white and yellow highlights, creating a refined contrast against the deep black glaze. The figure is framed by scrolling vegetal motifs and a continuous wave pattern, forming a harmonious circular composition characteristic of South Italian Apulian workshops of the late Classical period. The reverse is fully glazed in black with a clearly defined foot ring, consistent with period examples. Well preserved overall with age-related surface wear; minor glaze losses at the rim and scattered rust-like deposits along the edge; no evident major restorations. Diameter 16.5 cm. Material: Terracotta. From a old private Austrian collection.