Terracotta amphora (jar) 540 BC

This black-figure amphora, dated to 540 BC, is a remarkable example of ancient Greek pottery created by Group E. The amphora, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a scene of a mythical creature, a griffin, being led by a woman. A man follows behind, perhaps a hunter or a companion. The black-figure technique, characterized by black silhouettes on a red clay background, allows for a clear and striking depiction of the scene. The amphora’s shape, its delicate painted detail, and the mythological subject matter make it a significant piece of ancient Greek art.