Terracotta stamnos (jar)

Painter of London B 343

late 6th century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse, chariot setting out Reverse, five hoplites (foot soldiers) Representations of Attic symposia (drinking parties) occasionally include stamnoi, indicating that they contained wine; they typically had lids. The decoration here juxtaposes aspects of heroic and contemporary warfare. The chariot evokes a bygone era described in Homer's epics of the Trojan War. The two figures in Scythian dress and the footsoldiers on both sides represent contemporary warriors. The painter was particularly inventive with the shield devices.

Artist

Painter of London B 343

Date

late 6th century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Patricia Stickney, 2011