£2,500.00
Available
A black figure lekythos decorated with a battle scene between a Greek warrior and an Amazon, possibly a depiction of Achilles slaying the Amazon queen Penthesilea. Both figures fight with spears, the Amazon is retreating and holds up her shield in defence from the raised spear of the warrior who advances in a confident stride. The fighters are flanked by two onlookers who both hold spears but are not dressed for battle.
For an excellent description of the myth and meanings surrounding the fatal clash of Achilles and Penthesilea at Troy please see the link below.
Culture
Greek, Athens, c. 525-475 BC
Size
21.7 x 8.8 cms
Condition
Intact with erosion around the foot and surface wear as seen in the photographs
Provenance
Ex. private collection, Brussels, Belgium.
For further reading on Achilles and Penthesilea please see:
https://martinifisher.com/2023/10/11/the-romance-of-achilles-and-penthesilea/
A black figure amphora by Exekias, painted with Achilles and Penthesilea, is ranked among the treasures of the British Museum:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1836-0224-127
For a black figure lekythos in Harrow School with a similar composition to our example, please see:
https://www.carc.ox.ac.uk/XDB/ASP/recordDetailsLarge.asp?recordCount=1&id={5CA81457-3261-4DDB-B000-D3A67F3D4ACF}&fileName=IMAGES200%2FABV1%2F303531%2EBD2%2F&returnPage=&start=
Shabti figures
