Terracotta vase with janiform heads

Unknown

4th century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Vases with janiform (back-to-back) heads were produced by Athenian potters near the end of the sixth century B.C. The heads usually provide a contrasting juxtaposition: for example, a satyr paired with a maenad or Herakles with Omphale. This Etruscan vase is unique because both heads are made from the same mold but are painted to appear different, one representing a satyr with pointed ears and a beard, the other a Black African man. The neck and handle of the vase are similar to a type of Italic lekythos (oil flask).

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Etruscan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906