Terracotta oinochoe (jug)
Three Amazons
The Amazons on this splendid oinochoe are all named. Iole leads; she is equipped with a pelta (crescent-shaped shield), a bow and quiver, and a battle-ax. Antiope, facing forward, leads a horse and holds two spears. Penthesilea follows with a pelta, a bow and quiver, and spears. Antiope and Penthesilea were well known for their part in the lives of Theseus and Achilles, respectively. Throughout Greek art, in depictions of combat between Greeks and their enemies, the latter are always rendered as worthy antagonists. This perception applies particularly to Amazons.
The Amazons on this splendid oinochoe are all named. Iole leads; she is equipped with a pelta (crescent-shaped shield), a bow and quiver, and a battle-ax. Antiope, facing forward, leads a horse and holds two spears. Penthesilea follows with a pelta, a bow and quiver, and spears. Antiope and Penthesilea were well known for their part in the lives of Theseus and Achilles, respectively. Throughout Greek art, in depictions of combat between Greeks and their enemies, the latter are always rendered as worthy antagonists. This perception applies particularly to Amazons.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta oinochoe (jug)
- Artist: Attributed to the Mannheim Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 440 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 13 1/8 in. (33.4 cm)
diameter 9 in. (22.9 cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
- Object Number: 06.1021.189
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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