Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)

Attributed to the Antimenes Painter

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 155

Obverse, Herakles bringing the Erymanthian Boar to King Eurystheus
Reverse, Ajax carrying the body of Achilles

The Greek hero Achilles was killed at Troy by an arrow that pierced his heel, the only vulnerable spot on his body. Though shot by Paris, the arrow was guided to its mark by Apollo. After Achilles fell, a fierce conflict erupted for possession of his body. While Odysseus kept the Trojans at bay, Ajax carried the corpse back to the Greek encampment. Depictions of Ajax bearing his fully armed comrade always emphasize Achilles' weight. One can assume that a warrior's equipment weighed almost as much as he did.

Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Attributed to the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Attributed to the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Attributed to the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Attributed to the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Attributed to the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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