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Antefix with Satyr Face

c. 525–480 BCE
terracotta
Overall: 25 cm (9 13/16 in.)
The Charles W. Harkness Endowment Fund 1926.552
Location: 102C Greek
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Did You Know?

Despite the connections between satyrs and Dionysos, not all satyr-head antefixes belonged to Dionysian buildings.

Description

This frontal satyr face, easily recognized by its snub nose and equine ears, served numerous purposes. As an antefix, it capped the open end of a roof tile, preventing wind, water, and pests from entering the building below. With its naturalistic mold-made features, enhanced with pigment and perhaps additional stamped and carved details, the antefix would also have provided striking visual ornament, especially when seen in long rows high above.
Antefix with Satyr Face

Antefix with Satyr Face

c. 525–480 BCE

Greek/South Italian, Taranto

See Also

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