Detail of a Pelike with Boys Jumping by an Artist in the Circle of Euphronios in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, June 2010

Two-handled storage jar (pelike) depicting young athletes jumping

Greek, Archaic Period, about 520–510 B.C.

Circle of Euphronios (Euthymides or Oltos), Greek

Place of Manufacture: Athens, Attica, Greece

Dimensions: Height: 31.1 cm (12 1/4 in.); diameter (max.): 24.4 cm (9 5/8 in.)

Medium or Technique: Ceramic, Red Figure

Classification: Vessels

Accession Number: 1973.88

Side A: Two nude youths jumping together together accompanied by flute music; leapers at center, flautist at right, facing them, wearing a cloak (himation).

Above the figures is the name "Kalipides", and between the jumpers and the piper is the name "Aineas" (Aeneas). Below is the inscription "Leagros is handsome" (LEAGROS KALOS)

Side B: A piper (named "Smikythion") accompanies two nude jumpers, the same two youths depicted on the front of the vase, seen from rear. They are probably athletes in training. Inscriptions in between the piper and the jumpers read: "Smikythion"; "Leagros is handsome, yes indeed!" (LEAGROS KALOS NAI XI)

The action may represent a Greek competitive dance exercise called bibasis, a Laconian dance for both boys and girls.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/two-handled-storage-jar-pe...