Detail of a Terracotta Oinochoe Attributed to the Mannheim Painter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2011

Terracotta oinochoe (jug)

Attributed to the Mannheim Painter

Period: Classical

Date: ca. 440 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; red-figure

Dimensions: H. 13 1/8 in. (33.4 cm) diameter 9 in. (22.9 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906

Accession Number: 06.1021.189

Description:

Three Amazons

The Amazons on this splendid oinochoe are all named. Iole leads; she is equipped with a pelta (crescent-shaped shield), a bow and quiver, and a battle-ax. Antiope, facing forward, leads a horse and holds two spears. Penthesilea follows with a pelta, a bow and quiver, and spears. Antiope and Penthesilea were well known for their part in the lives of Theseus and Achilles, respectively. Throughout Greek art, in depictions of combat between Greeks and their enemies, the latter are always rendered as worthy antagonists. This perception applies particularly to Amazons.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/247352