Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with twisted handles
Obverse, Apollo; reverse, Herakles: the struggle for the Delphic tripod
In the Archaic tradition, depictions of the struggle for the Delphic tripod emphasize the narrative: Herakles comes to Delphi to carry off the tripod, which is central to the sanctuary's prophetic activity; Apollo, the presiding deity, keeps firm hold of it. By contrast, the Kleophrades Painter emphasizes the protagonists rather than the action: Apollo moves purposefully, asserting himself simply by raising his right hand; Herakles has possession of the tripod, which he appears to defend with his club. The outcome is conveyed by the characterization of the figures.
In the Archaic tradition, depictions of the struggle for the Delphic tripod emphasize the narrative: Herakles comes to Delphi to carry off the tripod, which is central to the sanctuary's prophetic activity; Apollo, the presiding deity, keeps firm hold of it. By contrast, the Kleophrades Painter emphasizes the protagonists rather than the action: Apollo moves purposefully, asserting himself simply by raising his right hand; Herakles has possession of the tripod, which he appears to defend with his club. The outcome is conveyed by the characterization of the figures.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with twisted handles
- Artist: Attributed to the Kleophrades Painter
- Period: Archaic
- Date: ca. 490–480 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1913
- Object Number: 13.233
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Kleophrades Painter
ca. 490 BCE
Kleophrades Painter
ca. 490 BCE
Kleophrades Painter
ca. 500 BCE
Kleophrades Painter
500–490 BCE
Kleophrades Painter
ca. 525–500 BCE
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