Attic Black-Figure Neck Amphora with Athena, Herakles, and Hermes

The Antimenes Painter decorated vases in the black-figure technique in Athens from about 530 – 510 BC. Over 140 of his vases survive many of which feature the theme of the hero Herakles. On the main side of this sixth century vase, a neck amphora (storage jar), Athena, patron goddess of Athens, is pictured wearing a long garment and holding a spear and shield. She is flanked by the hero Herakles, who appears on the left side armed with his club and wearing a quiver. To the right, Hermes, messenger of the gods, wears his characteristic winged hat and shoes, and holds a herald’s staff.