Object Description
A Greek Attic terracotta lekythos, decorated in the white-ground technique. The vessel sits upon a flat, circular base and features a slightly tapered body with a narrow neck leading to a funnel-shaped mouth and a thick, flat rim. A single handle has been attached from the neck to the shoulder. The body is covered almost entirely in white slip and is decorated with the image of Athena, fighting amongst two warriors. The goddess is depicted facing left, wearing a high-crested helmet and a long chiton. In one hand she holds a spear pointing towards the head of a warrior, who is advancing towards her. Her other arm is raised but grasped by another warrior behind and her shield is between them by the feet. Both warriors are wearing a high-crested helmet and a short chiton with a mantle. A band of meanders is visible to the top, partly covered by the large crests of the helmets. The design has been rendered in black pigment, which is applied after firing, with the drapery and additional details executed through linear carvings. The lekythos is further enriched with vertical strokes and rays to the shoulder. The mouth, handle, lower body and upper section of the foot have been applied with black slip, whilst the neck and rim have been left uncoloured.
Date: Circa early 5th century BC