Terracotta head of a panther

1st century CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

This well-modeled head of a panther served as a spout in antiquity. It is ornamented with a wreath of ivy leaves and clusters of grapes, Dionysian cult symbols. The panther, the most graceful and fascinating but also the most savage and bloodthirsty of all the cats associated with Dionysus, entered into the god's retinue by way of Asia Minor.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Terracotta head of a panther
Period: Early Imperial
Date: 1st century CE
Culture: Roman
Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: H. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.)
Classification: Terracottas
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
Object Number: 12.232.9
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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