Red-Figure Column Krater with Warriors Engaged in Battle and Draped Youths with Strigils

This example is attributed to a vase painter whose identity is unknown, but who depicted images of bound prisoners tied to a tree on several vases. Other examples are known, including one in the British Museum which is very similar to RPM’s example. The main side of this vase depicts a dramatic battle scene, which likely represents a local conflict but may also be a link to a mythological narrative. The scene is enriched with a high level of detail in the figures, wounds inflicted, and aspects of the landscape, including a prominent tree and rock outcroppings. The other side of the vase pictures three youths wearing himatia, two holding strigils, and one with a walking stick.