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What type of pot is this?
A Volute Krater
What is this pot also known as?
Arezzo 1465 Vase
Who made this pot?
Euphronios
When was this pot made?
Late 6th century, 510-500 BC
What is this mythical context behind this pot?
During Hercule’s ninth labour he was given the task by Eurystheus to retrieve the royal girdle of the Amazon queen Hippolyta for his daughter.
This incited a bloody battle in which the Amazons were ultimately defeated. The battle between the ancient Greeks and the Amazons is know as the Amazonomachy.
How does Woodford describe the composition? How is this evidenced?
‘Rich and complicated’
The multitude of figures depicted on the pot in the midst of the battle appear chaotic and disorganised. However they are all specially positioned in order to fill the space and in order to convey the violence of battle.
The two fallen warriors fill awkward space and add variety to the poses→ They mirror each other creating compositional symmetry → they also add to the narrative as they highlight the impending victory of Herakles as he dominates this battle
Herakles is displayed centrally showing his importance and highlighting his dominance
The multiple shields create a repeated circular pattern contrasting the sharp diagonals of the warriors
What is the composition like on the reverse?
The reappeared running pose shows compositional symmetry and reflects the urgency with which the Amazons require back up e.g. the sharp diagonal shapes in the elongated arms and legs. However this can be viewed as quite static and rigid as the repetitive pose becomes unrealistic and jarring.
The repeated shields also create a circular pattern contrasting the sharp diagonals of the spears.
How is Herakles portrayed? What details are used?
He is advancing menacingly with his raised right arm holding his club, his biceps bulging with the strain of the movement reflect his strengyh
His torso twists and the abdominals and pectorals react to his movement asymmetrically → very realistic
He has his full range of attributes: bow and arrow, club and lion skin at the expense of realism as you can’t shoot a bow and arrow with one hand
The muscles in Herakles thighs and calves are unrealistic as the patterns are exaggerative and jarring e.g. volutes
Herakles head in emerging from the lions mouth → highly detailed and patterned, each individual hair on the lion’s mane
How are the Amazon Warriors portrayed?
They are rigidly in step with each other and overlapping to create depth.
They are dressed in eastern attire (striped outfits) and some wearing Phyrginan caps. The irregularity of the pattern creates a 2D effect and does not reflect the body underneath.
How does the frieze of dancing men add to the overall composition?
It frames the central narrative and is a display of techne through the dynamic variety of poses which are harmonious with the figures drapery→ innovative and exciting
What does Woodford say about this pot?
‘In terms of drawing and composition it is masterly, but as decoration on the surface of a vase it is perhaps less satisfying…’
What does JG Pedley say about this pot?
‘Vase painters led the way in showing interest in the body in motion’
What do Mitropoulos and Snook say about this pot?
‘The whole scene is vigorously active and full of foreshortenings, repetitions and mirrorings’
