Fragment of a terracotta oinochoe (jug) 750 BC

This fragment of a terracotta oinochoe (jug) dating to 750 BC, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a captivating example of Geometric Greek pottery. The fragment depicts a stylized horse with a bird perched on its back, a common motif in Geometric art that may represent the union of earth and sky. The intricate geometric patterns, including circles, dots, and meandering lines, are characteristic of this period and serve to enhance the visual interest and overall composition. These patterns were typically painted in a reddish-brown pigment on a light clay background.