Terracotta statuette of a siren

Unknown

ca. 550–500 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Sirens are mythical creatures famous in antiquity for their song, which lured sailors to their death. Sanctuaries to the sirens are known to have existed in parts of South Italy and Sicily, as the geographer Strabo and other ancient writers tell us. This large, hand-modeled sculpture with applied decoration may well have been a votive offering at such a sanctuary.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 550–500 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, Renée E. and Robert A. Belfer Gift, 2000