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Attic Black-Figure Amphora (Side A, grey background)

Exekias

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Both sides depict a male and female pair in a chariot with attendants. Added white is used for the skin of the females, some horses and part of the lyre on side B. Ornamentation consists of ivy vines on the sides of the handles, upward pointing rays in a reserved zone above the foot, double palmette-lotus chains above the figural scenes, and bands in added red underneath the scenes. The glaze on this vessel was applied unevenly to the exterior, and there are patches of red due to misfiring.The interior of the neck and mouth are also glazed. The vessel is whole, reconstructed from fragments.

Side A: from left, a couple in a chariot, perhaps Dionysos and Ariadne, facing right. He is bearded, wearing an ivy wreath and holding a drinking horn; she wears an elaborately patterned peplos (crosses and red dots) and holds the reins. Behind four horses - one of which is painted white - are four figures facing left, three females and one bearded male. All wear bands around their heads, the male figure a wreath. Above them in the field are grape vines. The male holds a trident, so should be Poseidon. On the right, Hermes walks to the right, turning back over his shoulder to look at the procession. He wears a petasos, winged boots, and chlamys and carries a kerykeion in his right hand.

Side B: a couple in a chariot facing right. The bearded, wreathed male wears a himation and holds the reins and the woman is veiled. In front of the chariot are a woman and man facing right. Both are wreathed and the man, perhaps Apollo, plays a lyre. To the right, behind four horses - one white - is a woman facing left. In front of the horses is a taller female figure facing left and raising her right hand.

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  • Title: Attic Black-Figure Amphora (Side A, grey background)
  • Creator: Painter of the Vatican Mourner, Exekias
  • Date Created: 550–530 B.C.
  • Location Created: Athens, Greece
  • Physical Dimensions: 53.3 × 35.6 cm (21 × 14 in.)
  • Type: Amphora
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 72.AE.148
  • Culture: Greek (Attic)
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Attributed to Painter of the Vatican Mourner (Greek (Attic), active 540 - 530 B.C.) and Exekias (Greek (Attic), active 540 - 520 B.C.)
  • Classification: Vessels (Containers)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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