Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup)

Unknown

ca. 325–300 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse and reverse, griffins attacking a deer The subject of griffins attacking a deer has a long history and remained popular during the Hellenistic period throughout the Mediterranean area. It may be a symbol of the inevitability of death. The handles are ribbon-like and include so-called Herakles knots, a square knot symbolic of love and power in the ancient world. In the Roman Imperial period, Herakles knots were believed to heal wounds.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 325–300 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Etruscan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1951