Masks of the New Comedy and Tragedy

The second week of July, I visited the Archeological Museum in Athens. An incredible treat for anyone who likes Greek and Roman art. Among its many treasures, I saw these masks, made of pentalic marble on display.

This mask was found at the west side of the Stoa of Attalos in Athens. It depicts the type of a young woman or courtesan of the New Comedy. She has luxuriant hair and wears large earrings. It is identified as a Late Hellenistic copy of a type of the 4th century BC.

This mask of 'the impudent slave' was found at the same location as the courtesan above, and is also a late Hellenistic copy of an original of the 4th century BC. His features, flat nose, huge open mouth and deeply wrinkled forehead render this type.

Found in Dionysos at Attica, this mask is worked in the round type of a female figure of tragedy. It is dated 3rd century BC.

This bearded old man with his very high forehead and open mouth is probably the 'first old man', of the New Comedy. It was found in Athens and was made during the first half of the 3rd century BC.