

Arretine cup signed by Tigranes, ca. 25 b.c.–10 a.d.; Augustan
Roman
Terracotta
Roman
Terracotta
H. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1910 (10.210.37)
The finest Roman pottery made during the Augustan period is known as Arretine ware, named for the region in which it was produced, ancient Arretium (modern Arezzo). The red glossy glaze was not only cherished in antiquity but also inspired artists of the Renaissance. Arretine ware shares many of the shapes and decorative elements of contemporary silver and cameo glass vessels. The dancers and musicians on this cup frolic in a field decorated with cymbals, panpipes, and tambourines that are suspended from bows tied to garlands.







