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Oil flask (aryballos) with Zeus attacking a monster
Greek
Orientalizing Period, Middle Protocorinthian IA
690–675 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Corinthia, Corinth
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, black figure
Dimensions
Height: 7.3 cm (2 7/8 in.); diameter: 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number95.12
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 398.
DescriptionThe aryballos is decorated around the shoulder with lion and goats. Principal design: centaur of early type and Zeus wrestle over a scepter between them; a young male (Kronos?) runs in the opposite direction with a sword. Between this figure and the centaur at the back is a pedestal surmounted by a cauldron with two eagles or falcons. The same type, but larger, of bird appear on either side.
The mouth and handle of the aryballos (which are in one piece) are ancient but not original to this vessel.
The mouth and handle of the aryballos (which are in one piece) are ancient but not original to this vessel.
ProvenancePurchased by Edward Perry Warren in 1894 (according to Warren's records: came 'straight from Corinth') [Warren goes on to note that where it was excavated was not stated]; 1895: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 29,857.37 (this figure is the total price for MFA 95.9-95.174)