APULIA, TERRACOTTA MEDUSA APPLIQUE

APULIA, TERRACOTTA MEDUSA APPLIQUE

Large applique of winged and horned head of Medusa, facing, snake hair around face, lunula on top, broad feathered wings at either side of head; plain and flat back; completely covered with gesso layer, paint flaked off

Ex priv. coll. Dr. L., Switzerland. From Canosa.
Dim. 19,5 x 12 cm. One wing repaired

Early 3rd cent. BC.

Medusa is one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the gods of the sea, Phorkys and Keto in Greek mythology. Originally used as decorative and apotropaic ornament of a large askos for the grave.