South Italian Figurine: Plaque with Thetis Bearing the Arms of Achilles

Inv. No.: 87.213
Provenance: South Italy - Taras
Date: 4th-3rd century BC
Height: 125mm
Length: 149mm
 
A relief plaque depicting the Nereid Thetis riding on a hippocamp, carrying a cuirass to her son Achilles. Thetis is depicted from a frontal point of view, riding side-saddle on the sea monster. The monster is shown in profile, facing right. It has a horse’s head and forequarters and a sea creature’s tail with a serrated outline, curled at the rear. Thetis has left her arm around the monster’s neck while she holds Achilles’ cuirass in her right hand. She wears a head-dress; the upper part of her body is nude and drapery covers her hips and thighs. The moulding is sharp, with details of textures and surfaces (such as scales on the tail and the mane on the horse’s head) included. The clay is buff-coloured and traces of added white remain.

Function:
A relief moulding, perhaps used to decorate a wooden chest or coffin.

Manufacture:
A mould-made piece with a flat back.

Bibliography:
Chesterman, J., Classical Terracotta Figures, London, Ward Lock, 1974, 56 (relief plaques). , Charles Ede Catalogue, IX (1987),

Greek and Roman Terracotta Sculpture

Comparanda:
Carter, J. C., "Relief Sculptures from the Necropolis of Taranto", American Journal of Archaeology, 74, No. 2 (April 1970), Plate 31, 10 (Tarentine limestone relief of a Nereid riding a sea monster).

Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, Plates 40, A (Tarentine terracotta of Aphrodite riding a goose - similar pose); and 47, B (late 4th century Corinthian version of Thetis carrying the arms of Achilles).