Terracotta amphora (jar)
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta amphora (jar)
- Artist: Attributed to The Horse-Head Amphorae
- Period: Archaic
- Date: ca. 600 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
- Dimensions: H. 22 11/16 in. (57.6 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1922
- Object Number: 22.139.7
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
The Horse-Head Amphorae
ca. 560–550 BCE
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 530 BCE
Group E
ca. 540 BCE
Lydos
ca. 540 BCE
Group E
ca. 550 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.