Terracotta Medallion Fragment in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2011

Terracotta medallion fragment

Date: late 2nd–early 3rd century A.D.

Culture: Roman

Medium: Terracotta; Rhône Valley ware

Dimensions: H. 3 1/16 in. (7.7 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Accession Number: 17.194.1980

Description: Originally, the medallion would have decorated the body of a vessel, as with the three-handled jug in this case (17.194.870). This appliqué depicts the goddess Demeter with a crown of corn ears, seated on a throne and greeting the Eleusinian hero Triptolemus, to whom she is said to have taught the art of agriculture.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/250326