Terracotta group: scene of punishment

Unknown

6th century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Six figures are represented in a narrative situation; five should probably be thought of as seated. The main personage in the center holds a staff in his right hand and wears a conical headdress. A figure to his right holds a small animal, while one to his left has a shield and scabbard. In front of the cluster of onlookers there is someone lying face down and being beaten with a stick by another person. The subject has prompted considerable discussion and been interpreted as a scene of punishment, partly by analogy with the detail on the Shield of Achilles described by Homer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76