The artwork is titled “Terracotta Lekythos (oil Flask),” attributed to Ancient Greek Pottery and dates to circa 500 BC. Crafted from terracotta, this piece exemplifies the Archaic art movement and falls under the genres of mythological painting and utensil. It is part of the White-ground series and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts an elegantly shaped oil flask (lekythos) featuring a scene rendered in the distinctive white-ground technique. The body of the flask showcases a mythological scene with detailed black-figure illustrations, displaying ancient Greek warriors and a chariot drawn by horses. The conical neck and loop handle are accentuated with a dark, lustrous glaze, providing a striking contrast to the pale background. The elaborate motifs and sophisticated craftsmanship reflect the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Archaic period in ancient Greece.