What story is on Exekias black-figure amphora?

What story is on Exekias black-figure amphora?

On Exekias’ amphora in the Vatican, the vase represents Achilles and Ajax playing a board game on one side. On the other side is a young man, Castor, with his horse, Kyllaros; other figures are his mother, Leda, his father, Tyndareus, and his twin brother, Pollux (Polydeuces).

What is Exekias famous for?

Exekias is regarded by art historians as an artistic visionary whose masterful use of incision and psychologically sensitive compositions mark him as one of the greatest of all Attic vase painters. The Andokides painter and the Lysippides Painter are thought to have been students of Exekias.

When was the Vatican amphora made?

Attributed to Painter of the Vatican Mourner (Greek (Attic), active 540 – 530 B.C.) and Exekias (Greek (Attic), active 540 – 520 B.C.) Date: 550–530 B.C.

Where was the vessel Achilles and Ajax found?

It was found in Vulci, Italy but was manufactured most likely in the studio of a potter named Andokides in Greece 540-530CE.

Who painted the famous black-figure vase C 530 520 showing Achilles and Ajax playing checkers?

Exekias, the most insightful black-figure artist, transforms the personal rivalry between the two Greek heroes of the Trojan War into a board game. Both Achilles and Ajax are heavily armed; Achilles still wears his helmet, and both hold their spears as if they may suddenly have to use them.

Why do scholars admire Exekias?

As a painter, his work was incredibly detailed and took advantage of the engraving-like quality of the black-figure technique. Scholars admire the dignity and solemnity of Exekias’s figures and the new ways in which he depicted standard Greek myths.

How were Roman amphora made?

Roman amphorae were wheel-thrown terracotta containers. During the production process the body was made first and then left to dry partially. Then coils of clay were added to form the neck, the rim, and the handles.

Why is Ajax a hero?

The story of Ajax shows the changeability of human fortune and human nature. Despite being a hero (with the aid of the goddess Athena) during the rescue of Achilles’ body from the Trojans, he eventually turned to treachery in an attempt to obtain Achilles’ armour. His suicide marked the end of a once heroic life.