Plaque in the form of a reclining man

Unknown

ca. 1st century BCE–1st century CE · Ceramic · Ancient Near Eastern Art

This terracotta plaque features a figure reclining on a couch covered with a herringbone and stripe pattern. Identifiable as male due to his clothing, trousers and a belted, knee-length tunic, he is beardless, wears disk-shaped earrings and holds a cup in his left hand. His torso is angled so that the whole figure is seen from the front. Only a few other terracotta examples of figures in Parthian clothing exist, such as riders on horseback, soldiers, and musicians. Greek terracottas often feature reclining figures, usually males. The use of the pose among ancient Near Eastern plaques and figurines may indicate ties to Greek terracotta manufacturing centers along the eastern Mediterranean coast, although they typically depict females.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st century BCE–1st century CE

Medium

Ceramic

Culture

Parthian

Department

Ancient Near Eastern Art

Credit line

Gift of E. S. David, 1955