Amphora and Lid (Storage Vessel) with Chariot Race
Artist: Potted and probably painted by Exekias (Greek)
Date: about 550-530 BCE
Dimensions:
with lid as restored, H: 18 1/8 in. (46.2 cm)
Medium: wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1980.1022A-B
Label Text:Exekias was the most famous of Greek black-figure vase painters and potters. His name is signed as the potter of this amphora (“Exekias made me”) at the upper left.
Because chariots were no longer used in warfare, these are probably racing chariots. Each side of the vase shows one of the competitors in a quadriga (four-horse chariot). On the front, the helmeted warrior is identified by the inscription “Stesias is handsome.” Two of his horses, Kalliphora (“beautiful mane and tail”) and Pyrichos (“fiery, red-brown”) are also named, suggesting they had achieved their own fame. The competing driver is Anchipos. From the more lavish identification of driver and horses, we can guess that handsome Stesias is the winner.
Because chariots were no longer used in warfare, these are probably racing chariots. Each side of the vase shows one of the competitors in a quadriga (four-horse chariot). On the front, the helmeted warrior is identified by the inscription “Stesias is handsome.” Two of his horses, Kalliphora (“beautiful mane and tail”) and Pyrichos (“fiery, red-brown”) are also named, suggesting they had achieved their own fame. The competing driver is Anchipos. From the more lavish identification of driver and horses, we can guess that handsome Stesias is the winner.
DescriptionBlack figure with incised details
On view
In Collection(s)