Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
During the sixth century BCE, Athenian potters developed a type of oil and perfume vessel (lekythos) characterized by a white surface. Used as offerings to the dead, these vases often represent the deceased by their grave, here a young man indicated by the tiny winged figure flying before him, meeting a family member. The winged figure represents the soul (or eidolon) of the deceased, and it brings one of its hands on its forehead in sign of lament and sorrow.
During the sixth century BCE, Athenian potters developed a type of oil and perfume vessels (lekythoi) characterized by a white surface decorated with very fine scenes. These images became quintessential to the Classical style during the fifth century. Used as offerings to the dead, these funerary vases often represent the deceased by their grave – here a young man indicated by the tiny, winged figure flying before him – meeting a family member – here a young woman. The winged figure represents the soul (or eidolon) of the deceased, and it brings one of its hands on its forehead in sign of lament and sorrow.
During the sixth century BCE, Athenian potters developed a type of oil and perfume vessels (lekythoi) characterized by a white surface decorated with very fine scenes. These images became quintessential to the Classical style during the fifth century. Used as offerings to the dead, these funerary vases often represent the deceased by their grave – here a young man indicated by the tiny, winged figure flying before him – meeting a family member – here a young woman. The winged figure represents the soul (or eidolon) of the deceased, and it brings one of its hands on its forehead in sign of lament and sorrow.
Artwork Details
- Title:Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
- Artist:Attributed to the Achilles Painter
- Period:Classical
- Date:445-435 BCE
- Culture:Greek, Attic
- Medium:Terracotta
- Dimensions:H. 13 in. (33 cm)
- Classification:Vases
- Credit Line:Lent by Hiram Carruthers Butler and Andrew Spindler-Roesle
- Object Number:2025.742
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Attributed to the Achilles Painter
ca. 450–440 BCE
Attributed to the Achilles Painter
ca. 440 BCE
Attributed to the Achilles Painter
ca. 440 BCE
Attributed to the Achilles Painter
ca. 450 BCE
Attributed to an artist related to the Achilles Painter and
ca. 450–440 BCE
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