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Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar)

Attributed to the New York Nessos Painter
second quarter of the 7th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 152
During the first half of the seventh century B.C., vase painters in Athens abandoned the abstract geometric tradition in favor of a naturalistic style inspired by art imported from the Near East. On the front of this monumental vase, the hero Herakles strides to the left, sword in hand, grabbing the hair of Nessos, a centaur who had tried to abduct Herakles' wife, Deianeira. The two components of the centaur—horse and man—are not well integrated in this early representation, but the creature shows emotion, pleading for mercy with outstretched hands. Behind Herakles, a four-horse chariot and a driver wait patiently for the outcome of the battle, while a small man attracted by the excitement rushes forward. The scene is depicted with a combination of outline and silhouette enlivened by white and incised lines. A lion attacks a deer on the neck of the vase, and horses graze on the shoulder, but most of the surface is filled with floral motifs and curvilinear decorations. This vase served as a grave marker.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar)
  • Artist: Attributed to the New York Nessos Painter
  • Period: Proto-Attic
  • Date: second quarter of the 7th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 42 3/4 in. (108.6 cm); diameter 22 in. (55.9 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1911
  • Object Number: 11.210.1
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Princeton Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Princeton Group
ca. 540–530 BCE
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with lid and knob (27.16), Exekias, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with lid and knob (27.16)
Exekias
ca. 540 BCE
Terracotta amphora (jar), Andokides as potter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta amphora (jar)
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 530 BCE
Terracotta amphora (jar), Berlin Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta amphora (jar)
Berlin Painter
ca. 490 BCE
Terracotta Panathenaic prize amphora (jar), Leagros Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta Panathenaic prize amphora (jar)
Leagros Group
ca. 510 BCE

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