Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon

 

Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon

A large ancient Greek terracotta antefix with the the face of a Gorgon, probably Medusa, surrounded by rearing snakes.

Tarentum, Southern Italy.
Ca. 330-320 BC.
Height: 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm).

Antefixes were ornamental pottery caps that covered the open ends left by semi-cylindrical tiles at the edge of a temple roofs. They were often adorned with apotropaic images like Gorgons and Satyrs.

Gorgons were frightful witch-like female deities in Greek mythology. Medusa, whose gaze could turn a man to stone, is the most well known. Gorgons were protective deities whose very visage inspired fear. These apotropaic images on vases were meant to scare off all manner of threats.

cf.: M. Mazzai, La Daunia Antica, (Milan, 1984), p. 157, no. 193.

Formerly in the S. G. collection, New York; previously in the C. collection, Switzerland, 1960's.

Inv#: 6072

$7,500

Guaranteed Authentic



More Images:

  • Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon
  • Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon
  • Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon
  • Greek Terracotta Antefix: Gorgon

 

 

Hixenbaugh Ancient Art LTD, 235 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022

212.989.9743   -   info@hixenbaugh.net

Copyright © 2006-2024 Hixenbaugh Ancient Art