Red Figure: The fall of Troy

What type of pot is this?

Hydria

Who made this pot?

The Kleophrades Painter

When was it made?

500-475 BC (First Quarter 5th Century; Late Archaic/Early Classical)

What contemporary war is this pot based on?

The Persian War

What are the names of these figures?

• Aeneas

• Aeneas’ father→ Anchises

• Aeneas’ son→ Lulus

What detail is shown in these figures? What narrative does it portray? (4)

• Scene of hope and family love amongst an image otherwise filled with violence: Aeneas’ protective hold on his father overlapping figures, his shield and back are to us as he buckles under the weight of his father and his burden

• Aeneas and his son Lulus’ knees are bent nervously anticipating attack, all the figures heads look back at the falling city

• Rounded effect on the hems of Anchises drapery, he is dressed in a cloak and chiton with contrasting folds→ Vase painters techne

• Aeneas’ feet show nervousness and a desire not to draw attention: toes curled, heel bent, on the tip of his toes

What are the names of the figures in the scene right of Aeneas?

• Ajax

• Cassandra

• Statue of Athene

What detail is shown in the figure of Ajax?

• Advancing with a powerful stride grasping Cassandra’s hair with his other hand holding his sword ready to strike-

• depth seen in the deep folds of Ajax’s drapery behind and in front of his figure

• subtle yet effective diluted strip showing his bulging veins and muscles

What detail is shown in Cassandra and the statue of Athene?

• Cassandra: Naked to show her vulnerability, only had time to throw on her cloak which frames her torso and has a detailed convincing knot, right arm held out in supplication while her left arm clings to the statue of Athene

• Statue of Athene: Protective figure with her shield held in front of Cassandra and spear held up, it is sacrilegious to kill within the Temple of Athene

What is the central focus of this pot?

The death of Priam and his grandson Astayanax representing the fall of Troy with the death of the current and future king

How is detail created in the figures of Priam and Astayanax?

• Use of diluted slip to create gushing blood pouring from Astayanax, a symbol of innocence

• Astayanax’s arched back emphasises his lifeless body

• Priam with his head in his hands preparing for death as his attacker strikes forward

• Priam wearing a clack and chiton with depth displayed in the deep heavy folds

How does the scene of Aithra’s rescue contrast the rest of the pot?

The narrative is full of hope as we see Aithra being rescued by her brothers.

What does Susan Woodford say about this pot?

‘It is a heartfelt indictment of war’

What does Robert Osbourne say about this pot?

‘The composition had no single focus; there art no spectators her, all are engaged in distinct actions of their own’