Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with twisted handles

Attributed to the Lykaon Painter
ca. 440 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 159
Obverse, Neoptolemos departing
Reverse, man and two women

The magnificent decoration here depicts the departure of a warrior for combat; every figure is identified by name. Kalliope, the woman with the oinochoe (jug) and phiale (libation bowl), and Antimachos, the man holding the shield and helmet, define the immediate subject. At the same time, the seated man, Antiochos, who clasps his son's hand, and the general tenor of the representation have direct counterparts on grave stelai. The funerary overtones are emphasized by the palmette on the neck—equivalent to the palmette finials on marble stelai.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with twisted handles
  • Artist: Attributed to the Lykaon Painter
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 440 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
  • Dimensions: H. 24 1/8 in. (61.3 cm)
    diameter 12 in. (30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
  • Object Number: 06.1021.116
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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