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View: Side A

Two-handled jar (amphora) with Theseus slaying the Minotaur

Greek
Archaic Period
about 540 B.C.

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions Height: 39.2 cm (15 7/16 in.); diameter: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.) diameter (lid) 7.2 cm.
Credit Line Otis Norcross Fund
Accession Number60.1
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsVessels

Catalogue Raisonné CVA Boston 1, pl. 07-08.
DescriptionSide A: Theseus killing the Minotaur.
Theseus holds the Minotaur by the horn with his left hand and drives his sword into his rib cage with the right. The Minotaur sinks on his right knee, holding a stone in his upraised left hand. Behind Theseus stands a youth holding a spear. Behind the Minotaur stand a girl and a youth.
Side B: The Dioskouroi riding into Olympus.
They ride to left, each holding a spear. An eagle flies to left behind them. Poseidon holding his trident stands in front of the horses. Behind the horses come an old man holding a stick (Tyndareos?) and a boy carrying a wreath.
Lid: pomegranate knob and patterns.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Hesperia Art, 2219 St. James Place, Philadelphia 3, Pa.; January 14, 1960: purchased by MFA from Hesperia Art for
$ 4,000.00