Why is the Lady of Brassempouy considered so important in prehistoric art?

The Lady of Brassempouy statue head is one of the oldest known realistic depictions of a human face. Created around 23,000 BCE, it shows detailed facial features rather than abstract form, making it exceptional among Paleolithic sculptures.

Is this statue part of the Venus figurine tradition?

Yes. Although it represents only a head, the Lady of Brassempouy is grouped with Venus figurines because it reflects early symbolic representations of women linked to identity, fertility, and social meaning in prehistoric cultures.

What makes this miniature replica suitable for gifting?

Its compact size, museum-quality detailing, and presentation box make it an ideal gift for history lovers, students, and collectors. It works especially well as a meaningful educational gift or small desk display. Select more miniature museum statues to accompany it from the Pocket Art Museum Collection.

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Lady of Brassempouy Miniature Statue – Prehistoric Venus Head, Pocket Art

SKU:PA23BR

$32.00 USD

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The Oldest Known Human Face in Art

The Lady of Brassempouy statue is a pocket-sized replica of one of the most important discoveries in prehistoric art. Known as the Lady with the Hood, this ivory head from the late Paleolithic period is widely regarded as the oldest realistic depiction of a human face ever found.

The original Lady of Brassempouy statue fragment was discovered in 1892 in the Grotte du Pape near the village of Brassempouy in southwestern France. Unlike most prehistoric figurines, which emphasize the body, this sculpture focuses entirely on the face. The calm expression, carefully shaped nose, and patterned hair or hood suggest deliberate portraiture rather than symbolism alone.

Gravettian Art and Early Portraiture

Dating to approximately 23,000 BCE, the Lady of Brassempouy statue belongs to the Gravettian culture, a period known for refined carving techniques and the widespread creation of Venus figurines. What sets this figure apart is its restraint. There is no exaggerated anatomy. There is no overt symbolism. Instead, the artist chose observation, balance, and realism.

Scholars continue to debate the purpose of the sculpture. Some suggest the Paleolithic female head represents an idealized woman. Others see it as an ancestor figure or a symbolic embodiment of identity. What is certain is that the sculptor possessed remarkable technical skill and a sophisticated understanding of the human face.

About This Museum Replica | Lady of Brassempouy statue

This Lady of Brassempouy miniature statue is part of the Parastone Museum Collection and is reproduced in pocket scale as part of the Pocket Art series. The sculpture is cast in resin with an antique finish and mounted on a fixed black pedestal base.

The miniature format makes this piece ideal for desks, bookshelves, or intimate study collections. Despite its size, the replica preserves the quiet dignity and historical weight of the original artifact.

Collection: Parastone Museum Collection – Pocket Art
Material: Resin with antique finish
Base: Attached black pedestal (non-removable)
Included: Sateen-lined gift presentation box
Dimensions: 4 in H × 1 in W × 1 in D (including base)
Weight: 4 oz
Part Number: PA23BR

Context Within Prehistoric Female Art

The Lady of Brassempouy is often discussed alongside other prehistoric female figures such as the Venus of Willendorf . Together, these works illustrate the wide range of expression in early human art, from symbolic fertility figures to carefully observed human features.

While many Venus figurines emphasize abundance and fertility, the Lady of Brassempouy stands apart as a moment of quiet individuality. It reminds us that even in deep prehistory, artists were capable of empathy, restraint, and profound observation.

For More Reading

Scholarly article on prehistoric figurines (NIH/PMC): Obesity and survival
Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, France: refurbished with body
Overview of Venus figurines: various examples on Wikipedia
Visual timeline of Venus figurines: Venus figurines in chronological order

Parastone Museum Replicas and the Mouseion Collection

For nearly 60 years, Parastone has been a trusted creator of museum-quality art replicas and decorative sculptures. Founded in Europe, Parastone works closely with museums and cultural institutions to produce faithful, carefully researched reproductions of important artworks from across history.

The Mouseion Collection is the heart of Parastone’s museum replica program. It includes accurate sculptural reproductions of classical and modern masterpieces, as well as three-dimensional interpretations of famous paintings and drawings. Artists represented range from Hieronymus Bosch and Edgar Degas to Salvador Dalí and Gustav Klimt.

Each Parastone piece is known for its attention to proportion, surface detail, and historical character. Finishes are chosen to reflect the spirit of the original work rather than exaggerate it. Many sculptures include educational cards explaining the artwork and artist, reinforcing Parastone’s role as a creator of museum gifts rather than decorative objects alone.