Fragment of a Neck-Amphora, with Battle, Satyrs

CultureGreek, Attic

Datec. 540 BCE

Mediumblack-figured terra cotta

Dimensions7 11/16 x 9 in. (19.6 x 22.9 cm)

Classificationsceramics

Credit LineGift of Professors Henry and Sara Immerwahr

Object number77.6.1

DescriptionRed and black tongues on the neck. On side A, two warriors battle over a third whose legs and shield remain. They wear corslets and greaves. Their thighs are powerful and taper into thinner lower legs and feet. Each warrior raises a spear in preparation to strike. The three shields contain bold designs, enhanced by added red. A compass was used to form the shields and the designs upon them: a whirligig pattern and a six-petaled
flower. The third shield is shown from the inside. The shields appear to crash together, suggesting an auditory aspect of the conflict. Flanking the scene are two onlookers, wrapped in their cloaks, or himatia. Folds in the cloaks are rendered as broad, diagonal bands. These figures, who register no emotion, recall the function of the Greek chorus as observers and commentators. On side B, the tops of three heads remain, two at right, one at left, all facing center. Their pointed ears indicate that they are satyrs in a Dionysiac scene. The battle subject, monumental figures, and forceful presentation associate this vase with the workshop of Lydos, whose career spanned the second and third quarters of the sixth century BCE. Two vases by Lydos display similar treatment of space and drawing styles.

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