Terracotta figure
Man or monkey? The distinction is minimal in this spontaneous, engaging work. Seated with one foot over the other, the figure is eating or smelling what is probably a piece of fruit. Although Cypriot terracottas are often summarily executed, they clearly represent a medium that was used to capture a momentary or unusual subject, just as today we might make a snapshot or rapid sketch.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta figure
- Period: Cypro-Archaic II
- Date: ca. 600–480 BCE
- Culture: Cypriot
- Medium: Terracotta; hand-made
- Dimensions: H. 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm)
- Classification: Terracottas
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.1640
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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ca. 325–300 BCE
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3rd century BCE
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5th century BCE
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