Fragment of a terracotta architectural tile
Unknown Artist
6th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 5 1/2 x 5 in. (14 x 12.7 cm)
Classification
Terracottas
Culture & Period
Lydian · Archaic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The American Society for the Excavation of Sardis, 1926
Accession Number
26.199.73
Art Historical Context
This modest fragment of a terracotta tile hails from the ancient Lydian kingdom in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), dating to the 6th BCE during the Archaic period. Unearthed at Sardis, the opulent capital famed for King Croesus's legendary wealth, it offers a glimpse into Lydian building practices. Though only about 5½ x 5 inches, it likely adorned a roof or wall, showcasing the era's blend of functionality and subtle decoration in everyday architecture. Terracotta, or fired clay, was a versatile medium prized for its durability and affordability, allowing intricate molding or stamping before f...