Terracotta protome of a goddess

early 5th century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 156

This large, beautiful protome consists of a veiled head and unarticulated expanse of neck and throat. The face is modeled in late Archaic style with sharply cut curls, narrow eyes, and closed lips raised at the corners in a smile. It is not possible to know which goddess is represented. Such masks were dedicated at sanctuaries and also placed in tombs. They have holes at the top to permit them to be hung up.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Terracotta protome of a goddess
Period: Archaic
Date: early 5th century BCE
Culture: Greek, Rhodian
Medium: Terracotta; Fabric: light brown (5 YR 6/4)
Slip, paint: white slip, red paint- herringbone necklace (?) with three large oval pendants(?); red ring at border of right earring; red strokes on stephane.
Method of manufacture: moldmade, hollow.
Back, venting: top is
Dimensions: H. 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm)
Classification: Terracottas
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
Object Number: 06.1141
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Terracotta relief with the head and neck of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, probably Rhodian — Terracotta relief with the head and neck of a woman
Greek, probably Rhodian
1st half of 5th century BCE

Terracotta amphora handle with stamp, Terracotta, Greek, Rhodian — Terracotta amphora handle with stamp
Greek, Rhodian
ca. 220–180 BCE

Terracotta amphora fragment with stamped handle, Terracotta, Greek, Rhodian — Terracotta amphora fragment with stamped handle
Greek, Rhodian
ca. 180 BCE

Terracotta stamped amphora handle, Terracotta, Greek, Rhodian — Terracotta stamped amphora handle
Greek, Rhodian
ca. 220–180 BCE

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.