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Terracotta plaque

ca. 450 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157
Eurykleia washing Odysseus's feet

One of the dramatic threads in the account of Odysseus's return to Ithaka is the gradual revelation of his identity. Here, Odysseus appears seated before a columned facade that represents his palace. Before him stand his son, Telemachos, and his wife, Penelope. As the old nurse, Eurykleia, washes Odysseus's feet, she recognizes him from an old scar. Artistic depictions such as this are interesting not only for the illustrative detail that they provide but also for the subjects chosen.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta plaque
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 450 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Melian
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 7 3/4 x 7 5/16 in. (19.7 x 18.6 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.78.26
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

Audio

Cover Image for 836. Kids: Terracotta plaque, Part 1

836. Kids: Terracotta plaque, Part 1

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