Terracotta reilef roundel with head of Medusa

Unknown

2nd century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

The central decoration on this roundel is a gorgoneion, the head of Medusa. She is depicted as a beautiful female with wavy locks of thick hair, a sharp change from the monstrous Gorgon of earlier periods. The small wings above her forehead identify her as the Gorgon sister. Traces of pink and blue paint are preserved. Medusa remained a popular ornamental element through the Greek and Roman periods; this roundel may have decorated a piece of furniture or a wall.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of F. W. Rhinelander, 1898