Achilles and Ajax Playing a Board Game - Trojan War, Homer's Iliad - Attic Black Figure - Musei Vaticani - Replica - Ceramic Vase

Item Specifics

Vase Details:

Condition: New, Handmade in Greece.
Material: Clay
Height Size: 26 cm - 10,2 inches
Width: 13 cm - 5,1 inches
Weight: 980 g

This famous amphora, signed by Exekias as both potter and painter, can justifiably be counted among the masterpieces by this artist and of Attic ceramics in general. The painting technique is accompanied by meticulous engraving work carried out after firing, to render details and ornaments. The episode represented, foreign to the Homeric tradition, is charged with the tragedy of future events despite the apparent calm of the anecdote. Achilles and Ajax, identified by inscriptions, like the other characters, are seated and playing dice; read out the points won, four and three respectively, as indicated by the inscriptions that emerge from their mouths as if in a comic strip. On the other side the family of the Dioskouri is depicted. Castor holds the horse Kyllaros by the reins and turns toward Leda, who offers him a flour, while Pollux plays with a dog and Tyndareus caresses the horse’s nose.