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Red-figured cup, attributed to the Foundry Painter

-490/-480

British Museum

British Museum
London, United Kingdom

Athletic achievement was highly valued in ancient Greek society. Physical fitness was important, as all adult males had to be prepared to serve in the army if required. Sports of all types were a major part of Greek education, and athletic competitions took place at many of the major festivals. The most famous games were held at Olympia, and the pankration, illustrated here, was an Olympic sport. It was a type of all-in wrestling in which practically anything, including kicking or trying to strangle your opponent, was allowed. The only activities that were banned were biting and trying to gouge out your opponent's eyes. The right-hand pankratiast in this group appears to be committing both kinds of foul, and the trainer behind him is about to bring his stick down hard upon the his back. To the left of the pankratiasts are a pair of boxers, while on the other side of the cup are a youth preparing to race in armour, more boxers and a trainer, and a youth stretching a thong of the type boxers wrapped around their hands and wrists.

Details

  • Title: Red-figured cup, attributed to the Foundry Painter
  • Date Created: -490/-480
  • Physical Dimensions: Height: 123.00mm; Diameter: 318.00mm; Width: 395.00mm (including handles); Weight: 946.00g; Height: 12.70cm; Diameter: 30.48cm
  • External Link: British Museum collection online
  • Technique: painted
  • Subject: boxing/boxer; wrestling/wrestler; classical sport
  • Registration number: 1850,0302.2
  • Production place: Made in Attica
  • Producer: Attributed to Foundry Painter
  • Place: Excavated/Findspot Vulci
  • Period/culture: Attic
  • Material: pottery
  • Copyright: Photo: © Trustees of the British Museum
  • Acquisition: Purchased from Braun, Emil. Purchased through Christie's. Purchased through Farrer

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