Bronze hydria (water jar)

early 4th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
The hydria has two inscriptions on the lip, indicating that it was a prize in a contest. One inscription gives the name of the presiding official, Kalliar. The other inscription, in a different hand and dialect, indicates that the contestants dedicated the prize to Herakles, for whom the games were held. The implication is that the hydria was dedicated because there was no winner.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze hydria (water jar)
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: early 4th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Other: 19 x 18 5/16 in. (48.3 x 46.5 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1957
  • Object Number: 57.11.12
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Bronze hydria (water jar) - Greek - Classical - The Metropolitan Museum of Art