Terracotta Greek Gorgon Head in the Study Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sept. 2007

Title: Terracotta gorgoneion antefix (roof tile)

Medium; Technique: Terracotta

Culture: Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

Period: Classical

Date: 2nd half of the 5th century B.C.

Dimensions: H. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm.) W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm.)

Classification: Terracottas

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1920

Accession Number: 20.215

Description:

The style of this gorgoneion antefix is of a transitional type between the archaic, more fierce Medusa and the calm Medusa of later centuries. Traces of white slip remain on her face, and a few traces of paint from the once bright yellow hair can still be seen on her head. The irises of her eyes would have been painted blue or black.

Text from:
www.flickr.com/photos/elissacorsini/2072788654/in/set-721...