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Pitcher (oinochoe) with Greek warrior attacking Persian archer
Greek
Classical Period
about 450 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions
19.3 x 12 cm (7 5/8 x 4 3/4 in.)
Height with handle: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.)
Height with handle: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number13.196
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Caskey-Beazley, Attic Vase Paintings (MFA), no. 041.
DescriptionIn this dynamic duel between a nude Greek warrior and a Persian archer wearing the traditional patterned jacket and trousers of the foreign empire, the Persian hopelessly holds up his sword (his short range weapon) as a defense against the spear about to be thrust into his chest. The nude Greek hoplite, who is armed with a spear and large shield and wearing a crested Attic helmet, attacks, while the foreign warrior has already shot an arrow at his opponent; it can be seen to the left of the Greek.
ProvenanceBy 1912: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: From Gela.); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, January 2, 1913, for $18,948.70 (this figure is the total price for MFA 13.186-13.245)