Female figure engraved on base of broken lamp
Courbet Cave, Penne-Tarn, France
Limestone
Length: 23 cms
The British Museum
Palart.518
The fine engraving on the flat surface of a limestone slab depicts a female figure drawn in profile as a silhouette. It differs only in detail from the representation on the block from to the Gare de Couze, the simplicity of its line and the angle of the body being closely similar. The Courbet Cave piece lacks a pendulous breast and arm. The intention of the small triangle at the height of the bust is ambiguous. It could be a breast or outstretched arms. The obliquely inclined body might suggest a seated, crouching or dancing figure. The confidently drawn figure is placed centrally on the slab indicating that it was engraved after it was broken. The opposite side has a naturally dished surface with signs of burning in it suggesting that it was originally used as a lamp.