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Terracotta plaque

ca. 460–450 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157
Odysseus returning to Penelope

After years of trial and adventure—recounted in Homer's Odyssey—Odysseus returned to his native Ithaka. He found his wife, Penelope, harassed by suitors who had taken over his palace and were consuming his wealth. Odysseus made his entrance looking like a beggar. Here he is shown approaching the disconsolate Penelope, as the faithful members of his household—his father, Laertes, his son, Telemachos, and the swineherd Eumaios—look on.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta plaque
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 460–450 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Melian
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 7 3/8 x 10 15/16in. (18.7 x 27.8cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1930
  • Object Number: 30.11.9
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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ca. 520–510 BCE
Terracotta head of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Terracotta head of a woman
Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
3rd–2nd century BCE
Terracotta head of a woman, probably a sphinx, Terracotta, Greek
Terracotta head of a woman, probably a sphinx
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1st quarter of the 5th century BCE
Terracotta askos in the form of a boar, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Campanian
Terracotta askos in the form of a boar
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