Terracotta jug

Unknown

ca. 750–600 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

In this extraordinary evocative depiction, a woman faces off a horned serpent whose head looks vaguely like that of a ram. The protagonists appear well matched. In many cultures the line between human beings and animals, real or mythological, is permeable. The representation may be associated with an animal fable. Even more, it recalls the dialogue between Eve and the serpent in the Book of Genesis.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 750–600 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76