Terracotta fragment of a hydria (water jar) 530 BC

This fragment of a terracotta hydria (water jar) from 530 BC, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcases a figure in profile, likely a woman, rendered in the distinctive black-figure technique. The black-figure technique, common in Ancient Greek pottery, involved painting figures in black slip on a terracotta background, with details incised into the black. This particular fragment showcases the figure’s profile and part of their garment, likely a cloak. The fragment provides insight into the artistic styles and techniques of the time.