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View: Side A
Two-handled drinking cup (skyphos) with a caricature of Achilles battling Hektor
Greek
Classical Period
about 450–375 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Boiotia
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions
21.8 cm (8 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.532
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 563.
DescriptionSide A: Boiotian (Kabirion): Fight between Achilles and Hektor before the walls of Troy. Hektor is defending himself with a round shield while Achilles throws his spear (Achilles' hair flows out behind him showing movement) while both figures where short chitons, exposing their phalluses. Behind them, Priam stands before the gates of Troy, naked, with out-stretched arms. Between the fighting figures stands a bird facing Achilles. On this vase, Achilles appears as a caricature; however on related vases, Achilles is typically shown as a normal figure, perhaps in respect for the hero.
Side B: Three bearded men, a crane, etc.
A piece missing from (A).
Side B: Three bearded men, a crane, etc.
A piece missing from (A).
ProvenanceBy 1899: with E. P. Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in London from a Greek); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, 1899, for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)