TERRACOTTA

There is a long tradition of sophisticated Greek terracotta sculpture and architectural elements in temples (such as antefixes and acroteria) in Attica, Boeotia, Rhodes and other parts of Greece. This initially formed the basis for terracotta production in Etruria, southern Italy, and Sicily, but a distinctive style started to form after the sixth century BCE. Terracotta sculptures were initially freely shaped by hand and sometimes on a potter’s wheel, but by the late seventh century BCE moulding had become the predominant technique, allowing for serial production and the establishment of independent coroplast workshops. Terracotta figurines often served as an ex-voto (part of the decoration of a tomb), a children’s toy, or a small decorative sculpture. Terracotta reliefs were largely used to decorate wooden sarcophagi. Specialised workshops churned out increasing volumes throughout the Hellenistic period, flooding the ancient world with their products. The traditional style survived up until Roman times. From the second century, the objects started to present a fusion of Greek, Roman, and local “barbarian” habits and new styles. But artistic and technical standards fell, no longer achieving the quality of older Greek terracotta pieces. (DB)