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Oil flask (aryballos)

Greek
Late Corinthian Period
about 575–550 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Corinthia, Corinth

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions Height: 6.3 cm (2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.514
ClassificationsVessels

Catalogue Raisonné Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 464.
DescriptionThe heavy body of Ajax is shown slumped over his sword, which he has imbedded in the ground, indicated by a groundline. His torso is shown frontally. Although the sword is shown outside his body, it should be interpreted as having penetrated him, and he is shown after his death as indicated by his limp arms and his hair falling forward.

Condition: Colors worn.
ProvenanceBy 1898: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Athens Christman 1898.); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, 1899, for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)