Amphora (Attic black-figure ware)
540 BCE
Medium
earthenware
Measurements
54.8 × 36.2 cm diameter
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1957
© Public Domain
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts - Great Hall Costume Corridor
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
An amphora was a general-purpose vessel used for storing liquids, dry goods or foodstuffs. This amphora is an excellent example of the best of Attic black-figure painting, not only in its polished execution but also in the harmony of its composition. The scenes on each side contrast the ideas of war and peace. The main scene depicts the Greek warrior Ajax carrying the limp body of Achilles from the battlefield, flanked by other warriors. On the reverse is a wedding procession: the bride and groom are in a four-horse chariot with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, beside them, and Hermes, messenger of the gods, leading the horses. Behind them, maidens carry gifts.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Attica, Greece
Accession Number
1729-D4
Department
Antiquities
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Large belly amphora decorated with black-glaze and black-figure panels. Side A: Ajax strides to the left carrying the limp body of Achilles, flanked by warriors to the left and right. Side B: A wedding procession, with the bride and groom in a chariot, Hermes at the heads of the horses, Dionysus to the left and maidens carrying gifts. Above the panels is a lotus/palmette chain; rays from the base. The handles are decorated with ivy leaves on the edges.