The artwork titled “Terracotta Loutrophoros (ceremonial Vase for Water)” is a remarkable piece from ancient Greek pottery, dating back to circa 350 BC. This terracotta vase, which belongs to the Classical art movement, features mythological painting and serves a utilitarian purpose as a vessel. It is part of the Red-figure series and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork is a loutrophoros, a type of ceremonial vase used for carrying water, characterized by its elongated shape and often elaborate ornamentation. The craftsmanship includes intricate designs and figures rendered in the red-figure technique, where the human figures and other depicted elements are left in the red color of the terracotta, while the background is painted black. The vase boasts decorative scroll handles and a finely detailed narrative scene on its body, portraying mythological events and deities. The meticulous artwork displays classical themes and sophisticated artistic techniques typical of the Classical period in ancient Greece, making it a valued historical artifact.
