Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Amphora; Attributed to the Acheloos Painter; ca. 500 BC; 171.86

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleAmphora

About this objectAthenian Black-figure amphora of a Panathenaic shape. Attributed to the Acheloos Painter within the Leagros Group.

Athena, goddess of Athens, strides across this olive oil amphora, which is a variant of those used as prizes for contests at the Panathenaic games. Games were held annually to celebrate the city’s patron deity, but every four years they were elevated to a larger festival in the goddess’s honour.

On prize amphorae, Athena is usually shown as she appears here, battle ready wearing her snake-fringed aegis and high-crested Attic helmet, with spear raised and shield decorated with ivy leaves. This is the goddess as Athena Promachos, the Athena who fights on the front line, ready to defend her city. She strides between two Doric columns surmounted by fighting cocks, symbolising the competitive spirit.

MakerAttributed to the Acheloos Painter

Maker RoleArtist

Date Madeca. 500 BC

Place MadeGreece

Medium and MaterialsCeramic; Pottery

Style and IconographyBlack-figure

Style and IconographyPseudo-Panathenaic

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniquePolychromy

MeasurementsHeight (to lip) 74.6cm; Diameter 40.2cm

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen in art

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1986

Object TypeStorage Vessels

Object number171.86