Terracotta Hadra hydria (water jar)

Unknown

3rd century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

On the body of the vase is a representation of a shield decorated with the head of the gorgon Medusa. The white slip and polychrome painting were probably added when the hydria was re-used as a cinerary urn, with the shield serving to protect the remains of the deceased. Unlike the other Hadra hydria displayed here, this vase was probably of local manufacture.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Ptolemaic, Egyptian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, 1890