Terracotta hydria (water jar)
Three women within a naiskos (shrine) between youths and women.
Under the handles, head of a woman
A recurring question in ancient funerary representations is which figures are alive and which deceased. On this vase, the critical difference between the individuals inside and outside the naiskos is that the ladies inside are painted white. Should they be interpreted as statues, despite their lifelike actions? Or does the white signify a change in substance though not in form brought about by death?
Under the handles, head of a woman
A recurring question in ancient funerary representations is which figures are alive and which deceased. On this vase, the critical difference between the individuals inside and outside the naiskos is that the ladies inside are painted white. Should they be interpreted as statues, despite their lifelike actions? Or does the white signify a change in substance though not in form brought about by death?
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta hydria (water jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the APZ Painter
- Period: Late Classical
- Date: ca. 330–300 BCE
- Culture: Greek, South Italian, Campanian
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
- Object Number: 06.1021.227
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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APZ Painter
ca. 330–320 BCE
APZ Painter
ca. 330–300 BCE
APZ Painter
ca. 330–320 BCE
APZ Painter
ca. 330–300 BCE
Troilos Painter
ca. 490 BCE
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