Terracotta amphora (jar)

Attributed to the Group of the Horse-Head Amphorae 

Period:
Archaic
Date:
ca. 600 B.C.
Culture:
Greek, Attic
Medium:
Terracotta; black-figure
Dimensions:
H. 22 11/16 in. (57.6 cm)
Classification:
Vases
Credit Line:
Rogers Fund, 1922
Accession Number:
22.139.7
  • Description

    Obverse and reverse, head of a horse

    The so-called Horse-Head amphorae were produced during the first half of the sixth century B.C., especially the early part. With few exceptions, the subject of the front and back is a horse's head and neck. While the precise significance is unclear, the reference is clearly to the horse as a symbol of status and wealth. The vases vary in size and were widely exported in antiquity, to Italy, the eastern Mediterranean, and Egypt. Their function would have varied as well. Because of its size and the signs of wear, this example may have stood on a grave.

  • Provenance

    Said to be from Anavyssos, Attica

  • References

    Richter, Gisela M.A. 1923. "Early Greek Vases." Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art 18(7): p. 178.

    Richter, Gisela M.A. 1928. "Recent Accessions of Athenian Vases." Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art 23(4): p. 112.

    Richter, Gisela M.A. 1942. "Terracotta Plaques from Early Attic Tombs." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin 1(1): p. 82 n. 11.

  • See also
    Who
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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
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