Details from left to right: Mixing Bowl with Poseidon and Theseus, Greek, 480–470 BCE, Attributed to the Harrow Painter. Terracotta. Harvard Art Museums / Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, MA. Bequest of David M. Robinson. Image: © Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College; Drinking Vessel with the Maize God and Other Supernaturals, Maya, 600–700 CE. Ceramic with polychrome slip. Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey. Gift of Stephanie H. Bernheim and Leonard H. Bernheim Jr. in honor of Gillett G. Griffin, 2005-127. Photo by Justin Kerr. Justin Kerr Maya Archive, Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University, Washington, D.C.; Stirrup-Spout Vessel with a Presentation of Shells, Moche, 500–800 CE. Terracotta. Adapted from a photo by Museo Larco, Lima, Peru, ML013653 Details from left to right: Mixing Bowl with Poseidon and Theseus, Greek, 480–470 BCE, Attributed to the Harrow Painter. Terracotta. Harvard Art Museums / Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, MA. Bequest of David M. Robinson. Image: © Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College; Drinking Vessel with the Maize God and Other Supernaturals, Maya, 600–700 CE. Ceramic with polychrome slip. Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey. Gift of Stephanie H. Bernheim and Leonard H. Bernheim Jr. in honor of Gillett G. Griffin, 2005-127. Photo by Justin Kerr. Justin Kerr Maya Archive, Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University, Washington, D.C.; Stirrup-Spout Vessel with a Presentation of Shells, Moche, 500–800 CE. Terracotta. Adapted from a photo by Museo Larco, Lima, Peru, ML013653

Mighty deities, brave heroes, and fantastic beings adorn the terracotta vessels of the ancient Greeks in the Mediterranean, the Maya in central America, and the Moche of northern Peru. This exhibition juxtaposes these three distinct ceramic traditions and explores the ways in which painted pottery served as a dynamic means of storytelling and social engagement.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

Generous support provided by Jeffrey P. Cunard and the Getty Patron Program

Additional support from Charles and Ellen Steinmetz in honor of Professor Christopher B. Donnan

Selected Works

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Publications

Picture Worlds: Storytelling on Greek, Moche, and Maya Pottery

Edited by David Saunders and Megan E. O’Neil

This abundantly illustrated volume is the first to explore the painted pottery of the ancient Greek, Moche, and Maya cultures side by side.

Purchase this and other publications in the Getty Museum Store

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Hear artists and scholars share their views on the Greek, Maya, and Moche vessels featured in the exhibition.

Available in English and Spanish.

Experience the free audio tour on your mobile phone. Download the GettyGuide app. Bring your earphones and join GettyLink for free Wi-Fi during your visit.

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Exhibition Resources

To request a checklist of objects, please contact: antiquities@getty.edu.

Information on Getty Museum works of art can be found through a collection search

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