Terracotta loutrophoros (ceremonial vase for water)
On the body, obverse, prothesis (laying out of the deceased) with mourners; reverse, mourners
On the neck, obverse and reverse, mourners
On the subsidiary frieze, horsemen
The iconography of this vase is canonical for a loutrophoros. Of interest is the subsidiary frieze of horsemen. Horses play a significant role in funerary iconography, in the form of war chariots, racing chariots, or riders. The reference will be to the status of the deceased, for ownership of a horse in ancient Athens was a mark of wealth and privilege.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.