Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)

Attributed to the Providence Painter
ca. 480 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157
On the body, Artemis. On the shoulder, Nike

The Providence Painter, one of the most gifted followers of the Berlin Painter, specialized in small shapes, notably Nolan amphorae (jars) and lekythoi. On this work he depicts Artemis, the sister of Apollo and goddess of the hunt. Drawing an arrow from her quiver, she hastens forward, about to shoot. The fawn running beside her is present not only as an attribute but also as an indication of the goddess's swiftness. On the shoulder of the vase, Nike—a personification of victory—is shown in flight, adding further to this display of the human form and female dress in motion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
  • Artist: Attributed to the Providence Painter
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 480 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
  • Dimensions: H. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); diameter 5 9/16 in. (14.2 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.162.18
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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