Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the Antimenes Painter
- Period: Archaic
- Date: ca. 520 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
- Dimensions: H. 14 5/16 in. (36.3 cm)
diameter of mouth 6 9/16 in. (16.7 cm)
diameter of foot 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1956
- Object Number: 56.171.20
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Antimenes Painter
ca. 530–520 BCE
Antimenes Painter
ca. 530–520 BCE
Antimenes Painter
ca. 525–510 BCE
Antimenes Painter
ca. 530–520 BCE
Antimenes Painter
ca. 510 BCE
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