Terracotta Greek Gorgon Head Antefix in the Study Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sept. 2007

Title: Terracotta painted gorgoneion antefix (roof tile)

Medium; Technique: Terracotta, paint; mold-made

Culture: Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 540 B.C.

Dimensions: H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.) W. 10 5/16 in. (26.2 cm.) Depth as preserved 3 11/16 in. (9.4 cm.)

Classification: Terracottas

Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1939

Accession Number: 39.11.9

Description:

The clear modeling and the vivid traces of paint make this antefix a fine example of its kind. Although the colors (yellow, red, and blue) may appear faded now, their original hue would have been rich and pronounced, appropriate for the frightful theme and its high placement.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/greek_...