Etruscan
A Hellenistic terracotta architectural panel, circa 2nd - 1st century BC
Terracotta
Height: 28 cm
The architectural plaque is decorated in moulded relief with a flame-like palmette, framed with raised borders. The reverse is sloped for attachment to the building.
The architectural plaque is decorated in moulded relief with a flame-like palmette, framed with raised borders. The reverse is sloped for attachment to the building.
Provenance
UK private collection, acquired before 2000Literature
Architectural terracottas (friezes, covering plaques, acroteria, and antefixes) were designed to decorate and protect Greek and Etruscan building, parts of which were largely built from perishable materials. They concealed the ends of roof tiles and protected them from bad weather, as well as having an apotropaic role, banishing bad luck and bad influences from temples.