Calyx Krater (bowl for mixing water and wine); Front: Achilles and Ajax Playing a Game; Back: Athletes
Artist: The Rycroft Painter (Greek)
Date: 520-510 BCE
Dimensions:
H (as restored): 15 7/16 in. (39.2 cm); Diam (lip): 18 5/16 in. (46.5 cm)
Medium: Black Figure; Wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware with incised details
Place of Origin: Greece, from Attica
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1963.26
Label Text:Although a popular theme for Greek vase decoration, this scene of Achilles and Ajax playing a board game does not actually appear in the Iliad, the story that recounts the two Greek heroes’ deeds during the siege of Troy. The two friends still in full armor focus on the board in front of them as the goddess Athena stands behind. She gestures to them, indicating the approaching danger as the Trojans threaten to interrupt their game. On the back side a musician in a long white robe plays the aulos (double flute) to provide a rhythm for a trainer coaching an athlete to the far right, who swings halteres (jumping weights). At the left another trainer works with two javelin throwers.
Not on view
In Collection(s)