Herakles feasting in the presence of Athena

What type of pot is this?

A bi-lingual belly amphora

When was it made?

530-515 BC, Late sixth century

Who made this pot?

The Anokides painter

What is the pattern used on the side handles?

Ivy

How is detail created in the figure of Herakles? How do we know it’s him?

• Incisions are used to display muscles in his abdominals, pectorals and flexed arms → Herakles was known for his strength/arete as a hero

• He is resting leisurely on a pillow → Display of depth as there is a clear distance created between his arm and the pillow

• Relaxed horizontal pose leaning back on bed→ man of leisure soaking in his glory being attended to by slaves→ e.g. bent knee, casually leaning back on pillow, kantharos in hand

• Polychromy on patterned clothes shows techne→ aesthetically pleasing contrast between the hues of red and black

• Curved incisions on clothes to show how the clothing is reacting to Herakles’ movement → sign of realism, reactive clothing

How is detail created in the figure of Athene?

• Depth is seen through her holding her spear over her right shoulder and her being stood behind the table → Clear display of distance and overlapping → Andokides painter is not limited by 2D figures and is able to enliven them and make them realistic

• Characterised by her spear, white skin and helmet which breaks out the frieze to highlight her greatness as a goddess

• Intricate and detailed incisions in the armour of the upper torso→ multiple patterns on the hem line

How is the slave significant on the pot?

• He strengthens Herakles’ Kleos and his wealth as he is shown working in the background

• He has a much smaller stature than the Gods to show he is mortal → he is turned away not facing them to show he is not considered to be one of them

What is the composition of this pot like? Is there any compositional symmetry?

• The negative black space at the foot and head of the pot draw the eye towards its central narrative

• Herakles is the central focus being flagged on either side of himself with figures

• The twisting ivy filling up the frieze fills the awkward empty space

• Lack of compositional symmetry

Scholarly Quotes

What does Woodford say about this pot?

‘The whole panel is covered with interesting dark accents and there are few blank spaces’

Scholarly Quotes

What does JG Pedley say about this pot?

‘Around 530, the conventions of black figure were becoming stale’