Detail of a Terracotta Neck-Amphora Attributed to the Lykaon Painter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2015

Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with twisted handles

Attributed to the Lykaon Painter

Period:Classical

Date:ca. 440 B.C.

Culture:Greek, Attic

Medium:Terracotta; red-figure

Dimensions:H. 24 1/8 in. (61.3 cm)
diameter 12 in. (30.5 cm)

Classification:Vases

Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1906

Accession Number:06.1021.116

Obverse, Neoptolemos departing
Reverse, man and two women

The magnificent decoration here depicts the departure of a warrior for combat; every figure is identified by name. Kalliope, the woman with the oinochoe (jug) and phiale (libation bowl), and Antimachos, the man holding the shield and helmet, define the immediate subject. At the same time, the seated man, Antiochos, who clasps his son's hand, and the general tenor of the representation have direct counterparts on grave stelai. The funerary overtones are emphasized by the palmette on the neck—equivalent to the palmette finials on marble stelai.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/247282