Exekias Amphora, Achilles and Ajax Engaged in a Game (c.530 BC) by Ancient Greek Pottery

Exekias Amphora, Achilles and Ajax Engaged in a Game - Ancient Greek Pottery - c.530 BC

Artwork Information

TitleExekias Amphora, Achilles and Ajax Engaged in a Game
ArtistAncient Greek Pottery
Datec.530 BC
Mediumterracotta
Art MovementArchaic
Current LocationVatican Museums, Vatican

About Exekias Amphora, Achilles and Ajax Engaged in a Game

The artwork titled “Exekias Amphora, Achilles and Ajax Engaged in a Game,” created around 530 BC by an unknown artist of Ancient Greek Pottery, is a terracotta vessel that exemplifies the Archaic period of Greek art. This piece, part of the Black-figure series, illustrates a mythological scene and also serves a utilitarian function as a utensil. The artwork is currently housed in the Vatican Museums in Vatican City.

The artwork features two prominent figures, identified as Achilles and Ajax, engaged in a game, presumably a form of dice or board game. Both men are depicted in full armor, with their spears pointed towards the central table, signifying their intense focus and engagement in the activity. The black-figure technique, characterized by the use of a glossy black slip to create silhouettes against the natural red clay of the amphora, allows for intricate details and highlights the figures’ musculature and attire. The handles and the neck of the amphora are adorned with precise geometric patterns, which further enhance the visual impact of the composition. This piece not only reflects the artistic prowess of the era but also provides a glimpse into the cultural and mythical significance of its subjects in ancient Greek society.

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