Relief of a Potter and His Wife (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
In this domestic scene, a potter paints a vessel alongside his wife, who holds a loaf of bread and, perhaps, a fan symbolizing her marital status. Reliefs showing artisans were usually commissioned by freed slaves who were proud of their social status and wealth. This pride is reflected in the hairstyles: The man’s resembles that of the emperor Trajan (reigned AD 98–117) while the woman’s is the fashionable honeycomb hairstyle of the day that few could afford to maintain.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Look Here: FEAST, VMFA, March 15-June 25, 2006
"I. Claudia: Women in Ancient Rome", Yale Universtiy Art Gallery, New Havent, CT, September 6 - December 1, 1996; San Antonio Museum of Art, December 20, 1996 - March 2, 1997; North Carolina Museum of Art, April 6 - June 15, 1997
"Art from the Ancient World", VMFA Artmobile exhibition, November 26, 1962-February 15, 1963
"I. Claudia: Women in Ancient Rome", Yale Universtiy Art Gallery, New Havent, CT, September 6 - December 1, 1996; San Antonio Museum of Art, December 20, 1996 - March 2, 1997; North Carolina Museum of Art, April 6 - June 15, 1997
"Art from the Ancient World", VMFA Artmobile exhibition, November 26, 1962-February 15, 1963
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
