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On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head

Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases

ca. 500–450 BC

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157

Vases in the form of a mold-made head appear predominately as vessels used for pouring and drinking wine. They may have been used in the symposium, a private drinking party for male citizens. The most common examples take the form of a female head, and women were frequently present at symposia as servers or entertainers. Although made in Athens, head vases were also exported around the Mediterranean world.

Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head, Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases, Terracotta, Greek — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head, Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases, Terracotta, Greek

Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head, Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases, Terracotta, Greek

Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head, Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases, Terracotta, Greek

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head

Artist: Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases

Date: ca. 500–450 BC

Culture: Greek

Medium: Terracotta

Dimensions: 6 5/16 in. (16 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Lent by Hiram Carruthers Butler and Andrew Spindler-Roesle

Object Number: L.2022.35

The Met

Greek and Roman Art at The Met

The Museum's collection of Greek and Roman art comprises more than 30,000 works ranging in date from the Neolithic period to the time of the Roman emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity in A.D. 312.