Detail of the Hydria Attributed to the Class of Hamburg 1917.477 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, June 2010

Terracotta hydria (water jar), ca. 510–500 b.c.; black-figure
Greek, Attic
Attributed to the Class of Hamburg 1917.477
H. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1906 (06.1021.77)

Among the many changes brought to the city of Athens by the ruler Peisistratos and his sons was an improved water system and new public fountains. During the latter part of the sixth century B.C., scenes of women at a fountain house became very popular on black-figure vases. Here women gather to chat and to fill their hydriai.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/06.1021.77