Fragment of a terracotta plaque
Unknown Artist
late 5th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
3 5/8 in. x 3 in. (9.2 cm x 7.6 cm)
Classification
Terracottas
Culture & Period
Greek · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of the Archaeological Institute of America, 1953
Accession Number
53.5.41
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a terracotta, dating to the late 5th century BCE offers a glimpse into the vibrant of Classical Greek art. Crafted from fired clay—a favored medium for its affordability and versatility—terracotta plaques like this one were often produced in molds, allowing for mass creation of intricate reliefs. Measuring just 3⅝ × 3 inches (9.2 × 7.6 cm), its small scale suggests it may have adorned a household shrine, served as a votive offering, or decorated an architectural element, reflecting the everyday artistry of ancient Greece during the Golden Age. The Classical period, s...