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Oil flask (lekythos) with Achilles, Ajax and Athena
Greek
Late Archaic Period
about 500 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 28.4 x 14.4 cm (11 3/16 x 5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number95.15
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionAchilles (the Greek inscription ACHILL[E]US above his head) and Ajax (the Greek inscription AIAS above his head and to the left on a vertical axis) are seated on blocks and compete in a game, possibly dice. In front of Achilles is the vertical inscription "I have four" (TETARAFERO) and in front of Ajax, in the same manner, is the inscription "I have two" (DUOFERO). The goddess Athena (the inscription ATHENAAS to the right of her head) officiates in the center. She moves towards Ajax, but turns around and extends her arm over Achilles' head. Each warrior has removed his helmet and placed it on top of his shield, planted on the ground behind him.
InscriptionsFrom Left à Right
ΑΧΙΛΛ<Ε>ΥΣ
ΤΕΤΑΡΑΦΕΡΟ
ΔΥΟΦΕΡΟ
ΑΘΕΝΑΑΣ
ΑΙΑΣ
ΑΧΙΛΛ<Ε>ΥΣ
ΤΕΤΑΡΑΦΕΡΟ
ΔΥΟΦΕΡΟ
ΑΘΕΝΑΑΣ
ΑΙΑΣ
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records : from Greece); 1895: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 29,857.37 (this figure is the total price for MFA 95.9-95.174)