Terracotta pelike (jar)

Argos Painter

ca. 480–470 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse, woman with mirror and wool basket Reverse, youth A major task of Athenian women was to weave. The wool basket at this lady's feet, her garments that are given prominence by her pose, as well as the mirror in which she is admiring herself suggest her proficiency. Weaving the peplos that was dedicated to Athena every four years was a major enterprise. We may imagine that a woman such as the one on the pelike was involved.

Artist

Argos Painter

Date

ca. 480–470 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase by subscription, 1896