Terracotta fragment of a pot; unglazed on the inside
Unknown Artist
460–440 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.2.2188
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from an Attic Greek pot, dating to 460–440 BCE, offers a glimpse into the High Classical period of ancient Athens—a golden age of democracy, philosophy, and monumental art like the Parthenon Crafted from fired clay, the vessel was left unglazed on the inside a practical choice for everyday use, such as storing liquids or foodstuffs, while the exterior likely bore the intricate red-figure paintings that defined Attic pottery. These techniques, where figures were painted in reserve against a black-gloss background, showcased masterful control of form, anatomy, and narrat...