http://collections.mfa.org/collections/315165/objects/rdfAGR.Greek Athleteshttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/836314/resize%3Aformat%3Dfullhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/835226/resize%3Aformat%3DfullCovered drinking cup (kylix) depciting athletes and judgesabout 500 B.C.Ceramic, Black FigureThe top is covered except for an opening from which one can drink. The stem is hollow and continues upward inside to the level of the rim. The cup could be filled through the stem, and, once filled, could be emptied only through the mouthpiece. The vessel was lowered, right side up, into a krater of wine until the stem was covered. The hollow stem filled up with wine, which then flowed into the inner compartment. When the cup was held in a horizontal position ready for drinking, the wine could not flow out through the foot because the top of the hollow stem was high above the level of the wine.On top are seven nude, athletes moving counterclockwise. A long-bearded, balding judge with a himation over his shoulder to the left of the spout places a ribbon in added white over the first of the athletes. Another white ribbon flutters from the athlete's arm, a red fillet is tied around his right thigh, and he holds a red aryballos in his left hand. Behind him, a beardless youth with a himation over his shoulder plays the double flute. The following athletes originally had fillets in either added red or added white around their heads. The white is missing on the fifth and seventh athletes . The third, fifth, and seventh athletes are beardless; the first, second, and fourth are bearded.Between the figures are the inscriptions "the boy/(is) beautiful/the girl/(is) beautiful/the boy/ (is) beautiful/the girl/(is) beautiful/indeed": In the center a bearded mask (Silenos?) is surrounded by a dotted band with three outer and three inner bounding circles.The lower part of the cup is undecorated.The foot has been broken from the stem and reattached.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153464/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1114810/resize%3Aformat%3DfullDiscusabout 500 B.C.Marble, possibly from Mt. Hymettus in AtticaThis marble discus was once decorated with a painted tondo, 0.0613m. in diameter in the center, but the composition (once perceived as a horseman riding to the right with a lance) is now illegible.Condition:A substantial area is missing at the middle of the inscription and two large chips have broken away on the edges opposite the main damage. There is a yellow patina on the gray and white surfaces of the marble.It is possible that this discus was buried (and subsequently excavated) with one now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which bears the inscription "From the tumulus of Telesarchos." The tumulus cited was probably the tomb of the victorious athlete or magistrate in whose honor the games were held. Similar types of injury and patinas suggest the site was damaged long before the objects were rediscovered.Additional information (06/09/03):Inscription:EKTONE[RI]ON"From the funeral games at the Eria" The diskos was damaged on two opposite sides so that the first and second epsilon are partly and the theta and labda fully missing. It was once in the collection of E. P. Warren together with another inscribed diskos, which is now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. They were auctioned together at Sotheby in London in May 1929. Sir John Beazley read the fragmentary inscription as: ek ton a[thl]on "from the games." Both the position of the sixth letter and comparison with other inscriptions (see below) make the reading "erion" more likely, see also IG I(3), Attica, no. 1395. There was a painted tondo in the center of the diskos but the image once perceived as a horseman riding to the right with a lance is now illegible.Although the literal meaning of the word "erion" is "burial mound," the phrase "ek ton erion" refers to the funerary contests held at the burial mounds (or eria). The discuses were supposedly awarded as prizes at these contests. The interpretation of the phrase "ek ton erion" receives additional support from the inscription on a terracotta ball (MFA 63.119) which dates from about 500 B.C. There are several inscriptions both painted and incised on the ball, describing the ball as the object of Myrrhine. The incised inscription on the top reads in the inner circle: "ho pais kalos" and in the outer circle "hos eoiken apo ton eion enai" "that boy is beautiful - that is how he looks as he comes from the funeral games at the Eria" (we owe this translation to Gregory Nagy). The inscription evidently refers to the handsome young athlete depicted in the decoration and seems to comment on the type of young athletes who participated in funerary contests. For further literature, see Immerwahr, Inscribed Terracotta Ball, and Roller, Funeral Games.A fragment of an Attic red-figured askos in the MFA collection (13.169) depicts a bearded warrior rising out from a burial mound, against which leans various athletic equipment, which may reflect funerary games at the tomb.The second diskos now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York (1985.11.4; ; IG I (3) Attica, no. 1394) reads: Telesarcho ek to eri[o]"Belonging to Telesarchos from the funeral game at the Erion." A third discus reportedly found in a tomb in Anavyssos previously in the Peek collection and now in the Archeological Museum of the University of Münster reads (IG I (3) Attica, no. 1397):"ek ton erion eimi""I am from the funeral games at the Eria."http://collections.mfa.org/objects/130164/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/891823/resize%3Aformat%3DfullDrinking cup (kylix) depicting pentathletesabout 500–490 B.C.OnesimosCeramic, Red FigureInterior: Youth with diskos. The athlete bends forward at the moment in the backward swing just before the forward swing and release. Greek inscription, "Panaitios is handsome" (PANAITIOS KALOS), along the inner edge of the tondo above the athlete.Exterior: Scenes of the athletic practice at the palaestra. One of the main figures is a jumper in mid-flight. At his right is his trainer, ready with the rod used for correcting mistakes. At the left, another youth runs, holding jumping weights (halteres). On the other side, the main figure is a diskos-thrower in the midst of his back swing. Again, a trainer and another athlete accompany the main figure.Condition: Kylix was broken and repaired.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153699/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/793892/resize%3Aformat%3DfullDrinking cup (skyphos) depicting jumpersabout 480 B.C.the Brygos PainterCeramic, Red FigureSide A: Nude pentathlete holding jumping weights (halteres) prepares to jump. Two javelins in background. A trainer stands before him holding a switch to point out fouls. Behind the jumper is a small boy holding a staff and the athlete's sponge and oil flask. Side B: A jumper, at right holding halteres (facing left), taking his position. Before him a beardless trainer leans on a staff. Two javelins in background.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153875/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/836262/resize%3Aformat%3DfullJar (pelike) with a scene of athletic trainingabout 500–490 B.C.the Eucharides PainterCeramic, Black FigureSide B: A trainer wearing a cloak (himation) and wreath and holding a long stick; a flute-player wearing a long tunic and a wreath; and a man exercising with jumping weights. A discus (or ball) is below him. With his right leg he seems to be stepping up onto something, which could be more exercise equipment. All three are bearded. This may depict a scene of general conditioning rather than preparation for a particular event.Side A: Woman with krotala between dancing man and man with wineskin.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153579/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/801237/resize%3Aformat%3DfullJumping weight (halter)6th to 4th century B.C.LeadSmall lead jumping weight, probably used by young boys.Numerous dents and other marks. Comma-shaped object with flat upper termination: a typical jumping weight (halter)http://collections.mfa.org/objects/187343/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1086491/resize%3Aformat%3DfullMiniature chariot wheelabout 525–500 B.C.BronzeThis miniature chariot wheel was dedicated in a sanctuary of Apollo, as the inscription indicates. The bronze wheel has four spokes, pierced at the center for an axle. A dedication to Apollo is inscribed on the rim, in a central Greek alphabet: "Phalas son of Pediarcheion dedicated [this] to Apollo"Medium green patina.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153322/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1114805/resize%3Aformat%3DfullOil flask (aryballos) in the shape of male genitals with a bull's head in reliefabout 520–500 B.C.Ceramic, Black Figure and black patternThis fragmentary Attic vase is an aidoion, an oil vase (aryballos) in the shape of male genitals. Only the scrotum is preserved; the broken off penis, lost around the time of its acquisition, projected from the round hole from the front of the vessel. Such vessels held the oils used by Greek male athletes who carried them suspended from their wrists by a leather thong. On the back of the scrotum modelled in relief is the head of a long horned bull. Meander and other decorations are painted in black. Delicate incsions on the ox's face indicate fur. http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153565/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/836314/resize%3Aformat%3DfullPanathenaic prize vase (amphora)about 530–520 B.C.the Euphiletos PainterCeramic, Black FigureSide B: A race with five runners. The sharply bent position of their arms indicates the race is long distance - presumably the "dolichos." Damaged. Somewhat restored.Side A: Panathenaic Athena standing to left, brandishing spear, holding shield decorated with white forepart of a panther. Two columns with Doric capitals on which perch cocks. Inscribed "of the prizes from Athens" (TON ATHENETHEN ATHLON)http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153399/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1114801/resize%3Aformat%3DfullScraper (strigil)about 350–290 B.C.BronzeThe front of the strigil handle is decorated with incised lines in a floral motif, while the back is in the form of a tree stem. On the reverse of the front part there is a stamped inscription in Greek "of (or by) Apollodoros" (retrograde). The handle has been joined to the scraper. Although a practical object, and one that frequently must have become quite dirty, this trigil is incised with a beautiful vine motif on the handle. The strigil may have belonged to an athlte named Apollodoros.Condtion: The patina of the former is dark green and the latter more blue.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153253/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1105140/resize%3Aformat%3DfullStatuette of a discus thrower (discobolos)about 480 B.C.BronzeYouth with discus (Diskobolos) is slightly crude in detail, eyes and hands being overly large. The hair is a heavy cap formed of incised lines. Condition: The right leg has been broken at the knee and repaired. The fronts of both feet are missing. Corrosion, especially on the front of the body.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/152685/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/708771/resize%3Aformat%3DfullStatuette of a stooping athleteabout 470–460 B.C.BronzeA youth is stooping, placing his hands on his knees. Traces on the back show that a second youth, now lost, was seated on his shoulders. They were evidently participants in a ball game. Green patina. The base is modern. Some toes of the left foot are missing.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/45943/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1444550/resize%3Aformat%3DfullSupport for a mirror showing an athleteabout 470 B.C.BronzeBronze support for a mirror in the form of a youth crowning himself or holding a discus in his raised right hand (diskophoros) This athlete is one of the most satisfying manifestations of the high transitional style that has survived among bronze statuettes. His hair has the arrangement in close curls creating an overall cap-like effect that is characteristic of the "Blond Boy" from the Acropolis. Solid construction of the chest, a bulge at the top of the ribcage, and prominent buttocks when seen in profile all hold together through strong, rounded muscles and a fine finish to the surfaces. The thrusting chin and heavy jaws are evidences of the severe style that led to the early work of Myron and the pedimental figures at Olympia.Condition: The right hand, left foot and ankle are missing. Traces of the mirror-holder are visible on top of the head. Rough green patina.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/152686/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1444552/resize%3Aformat%3DfullTwo-handled jar (amphora) depicting a victor in an athletic contestabout 490 B.C.the Kleophrades PainterCeramic, Red FigureThis vase shows a much-admired athlete loaded down with prizes and gifts. He carries a walking stick, an aryballos, and a hare. His body is adorned with red ribbons, signs of admiration. On the other side of the vase another youth stands holding a wreath, perhaps to be awarded to the athlete.Side A: Nude athletic victor holding a walking stick, a perfume bottle (aryballos) and a hare, his left arm and thigh bound with purple taeniae.Side B: Youth in cloak (himation) holding out a wreath to the figure on the other side.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153616/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1108919/resize%3Aformat%3DfullTwo-handled storage jar (pelike) depicting young athletes jumpingabout 520–515 B.C.Circle of EuthymidesCeramic, Red FigureSide A: Two nude youths jumping together together accompanied by flute music; leapers at center, flautist at right, facing them, wearing a cloak (himation).Above the figures is the name "Kalipides", and between the jumpers and the piper is the name "Aineas" (Aeneas). Below is the inscription "Leagros is handsome" (LEAGROS KALOS)Side B: A piper (named "Smikythion") accompanies two nude jumpers, the same two youths depicted on the front of the vase, seen from rear. They are probably athletes in training. Inscriptions in between the piper and the jumpers read: "Smikythion"; "Leagros is handsome, yes indeed!" (LEAGROS KALOS NAI XI)The action may represent a Greek competitive dance exercise called bibasis, a Laconian dance for both boys and girls.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/153847/rdfhttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1444549/resize%3Aformat%3DfullWine cooler (psykter) depicting pentathletesabout 520–515 B.C.PhintiasCeramic, Red FigureScene of pentathletes practicing. Three pairs of nude javelin throwers and a pair of nude wrestlers. The athletes' trainers are draped and hold long switches. The javelins (akontia) each have a looped leather thong (ankyle) indicated in red paint. Two athletes are drawing the boundary lines in the ground for the javelin throw.Inscriptions: "Philon" (PHILON); "Etearchos" (ETEARXOS); "Epilykos" (EPILUK[OS]; "Ptoiodoros" (PTOIODOROS); "Sostratos" (SOSTRATOS) (twice); "Eukrates" (EKRATES); "Eudemos" (EUDEMOS); "Eoppoki" (EOPPOKI); "Kimon" (KIMON); "Phayllos" (PHAULO[S]); "Xenophon" (XSENO[PHON]); "Enioas" (ENIOAS)Condition: Considerably fractured and repaired.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/8025/rdf