Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)

Attributed to the Vouni Painter
ca. 460–450 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 159
Woman and youth at two graves

This lekythos is impressive for the well-preserved color and quantity of detail. The setting is probably a family burial plot. Closest to the viewer are two dark blocks, the left one partly overlapping the right. Attached to the right block are a pair of jumping weights, an aryballos (oil flask), and a wreath. The two stelai (grave markers) should certainly be understood as standing on top of the blocks. Farthest from the viewer are two forms that represent one or two burial mounds. The figures at this funerary precinct are adding to the large number of fillets (bands) and wreaths.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
  • Artist: Attributed to the Vouni Painter
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 460–450 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta; white-ground
  • Dimensions: Overall: 16 11/16 x 5 7/16in. (42.4 x 13.8cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1935
  • Object Number: 35.11.5
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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