Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Obverse, women and man at fountain house
Reverse, woman and komasts (revelers)
However incomplete, this vase gives a very amusing picture of life in Athens, morning and evening. The figures on the obverse are at a fountain house, indicated by the architecture, the two panther's head waterspouts, and the block below on which to place hydriai (water jars) while they are being filled. Fountain houses were places where men and women could meet casually. On the reverse, three men wreathed with ivy disport themselves around a woman. The krotala (castanets) in her hand suggest that she is a hetaira, a professional entertainer.
Reverse, woman and komasts (revelers)
However incomplete, this vase gives a very amusing picture of life in Athens, morning and evening. The figures on the obverse are at a fountain house, indicated by the architecture, the two panther's head waterspouts, and the block below on which to place hydriai (water jars) while they are being filled. Fountain houses were places where men and women could meet casually. On the reverse, three men wreathed with ivy disport themselves around a woman. The krotala (castanets) in her hand suggest that she is a hetaira, a professional entertainer.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
- Period: Archaic
- Date: ca. 510–500 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
- Dimensions: H. 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm); diameter of mouth 8 5/16 in. (21.1 cm); diameter of foot 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1956
- Object Number: 56.171.22
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
ca. 525–500 BCE
Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
last quarter of 6th century BCE
Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
last quarter of 6th century BCE
Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
last quarter of 6th century BCE
Attributed to the Acheloös Painter
ca. 520–510 BCE
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