Terracotta figure

Unknown

ca. 600–480 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Man or monkey? The distinction is minimal in this spontaneous, engaging work. Seated with one foot over the other, the figure is eating or smelling what is probably a piece of fruit. Although Cypriot terracottas are often summarily executed, they clearly represent a medium that was used to capture a momentary or unusual subject, just as today we might make a snapshot or rapid sketch.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 600–480 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76