The artwork titled “Bronze Neck Amphora (jar) with Lid and Bail Handle” is attributed to Ancient Greek Pottery and dates back to approximately 515 BC. Crafted from bronze, this piece belongs to the Archaic art movement and serves as both a mythological painting and an utensil. It is part of the “Relief and Plastic” series, and currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork is a finely crafted jar, featuring an intricately designed handle and lid. The patina of the bronze has aged, giving the surface a diverse yet harmonious blend of greenish hues combined with the original metallic tones. Noteworthy is the sculpted Gorgoneion, a depiction of the Gorgon’s face, centrally placed on the amphora’s neck. This mythological emblem, characterized by its detailed, stylized features and serpentine hair, embodies the ancient Greek fascination with mythological motifs and their craftsmanship in metalwork. The overall aesthetic of the amphora reflects the high level of artistic skill and cultural significance attributed to utilitarian objects in Ancient Greece.