The artwork, titled “Terracotta Neck Amphora (jar)”, is an exemplary piece of Ancient Greek Pottery dating back to approximately 530 BC. Crafted from terracotta, it belongs to the Archaic Art Movement and falls under the genre of mythological painting and utensil. This amphora is part of the Black-figure pottery series and currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features traditional black-figure decoration, a technique where dark figures are silhouetted against the natural red clay of the vessel. The amphora depicts a mythological scene, with three figures vividly illustrated on its body, demonstrating the fine detail and narrative style characteristic of the period. The figures are in active postures, adorned in traditional attire, and engaged in what appears to be a significant interaction. The upper portion of the amphora is decorated with intricate floral motifs, while the lower part features geometric patterns including a band of meanders. The dual handles and the amphora’s overall shape are classic elements of Greek pottery, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.
