Once a single hand or workshop has been identified, they are given a conventional name by which their works can be categorised, such as the ‘Naxos Muesum Master’ or the ‘Schuster Master’. Pieces attributed to a named sculptor, says Clarke, are highly sought-after and achieve the highest prices at auction.
In 2010 a marble reclining female figure dated to circa 2400 BC and attributed to the Schuster Master was sold in New York for $16,882,500, a world record for a Cycladic figure at auction. ‘As the only surviving unbroken figure by the artist, it was indisputably the most important Cycladic idol to ever come to auction,’ says the specialist.
So far only 12 sculptures have been recognised as the work of the Schuster Master, who takes his name from the piece sold at Christie’s in 2010. Broadly speaking, works by the Schuster Master are characterised by a broad curving top and a crescent-shaped ridge at the back, lightly arched shoulders, a long aquiline nose, and well-defined knees. Most of his works represent the female in a pregnant state, with a slightly swelling belly. According to the specialist, the position of the feet pointing downwards indicates that the figures are meant to be perceived as reclining.
Other known pieces by the Schuster Master can be found in the Getty Villa, LA, British Museum, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, as well as in several notable private collections.