Artwork Page for Red-Figure Cow-Head Rhyton (Drinking Horn): Seated Woman

Details / Information for Red-Figure Cow-Head Rhyton (Drinking Horn): Seated Woman

Red-Figure Cow-Head Rhyton (Drinking Horn): Seated Woman

c. 340 BCE

South Italian, Apulian, Tarentine

Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Diameter: 10 cm (3 15/16 in.); Overall: 17 cm (6 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1982.41
Public Domain
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Location
102D Pre-Roman
Print
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Did You Know?

The cow-head rhyton was the most popular of all Apulian animal-head rhyta.

Description

Rhyta (drinking horns) in the forms of animal heads were popular ceramic products in Apulia c. 350-320 BC. Mold-made heads were attached to wheel-made bowls, with separately made handles (plus ears and horns, for this cow). On the bowl, a seated woman holds a helmet and spear, with a shield nearby; she may represent Athena, although the helmet differs from her usual type and she does not appear to wear her snaky aegis (breastplate).
A dark ceramic vessel features a base shaped like a speckled cow head with white horns. Rising above, a flaring neck depicts a red-figure scene with a woman seated beside an oval shield, holding a small bird. She faces our left, wearing a long dress. A wave pattern circles the rim, and a black handle curves beside a decorative palmette. Areas of paint on the cow's face and the rim are worn.

Red-Figure Cow-Head Rhyton (Drinking Horn): Seated Woman

c. 340 BCE

South Italian, Apulian, Tarentine

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