Antefix with the head of Medusa

Resource added
Fragment of an Archaic terracotta antefix depicting the head of Medusa, with large almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, an open mouth with a protruding tongue, sharp teeth, hair and a beard. Faded red and black paint decorates the facial features and hair. Broken edges show the terracotta clay underneath.

Full description

This is an Archaic terracotta antefix depicting the head of Medusa, created by Etruscans in sixth-century BCE Italy. During this period, Medusa was commonly represented as a Gorgon (female monster) with a round face, wide eyes, protruding tongue, and sharp teeth. This monstrous imagery was intended to ward off evil, while the antefix also served a practical function by covering and protecting the ends of roof tiles.

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Download image “Antefix with the head of Medusa”
  • type
    Image
  • created on
  • file format
    jpeg
  • file size
    114 kB
  • Citation
    Terracotta antefix with the head of Medusa. Etruscan, 6th century BCE. Terracotta with paint, 14 × 14.9 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Fletcher Fund, 1927 (Object No. 27.122.14). Accessed from The Met Collection Online, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252929.
  • creator
    Etruscan artist (unknown)
  • credit
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Fletcher Fund, 1927
  • restrictions
    None (open access)
  • rights
    Public Domain
  • rights holder
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • rights territory
    Worldwide
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