Two-handled drinking cup (skyphos) with a caricature of Achilles battling Hektor
Greek
Classical Period
5th century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Boiotia
Catalogue Raisonné
Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 563.
Dimensions
21.8 cm (8 9/16 in.)
Accession Number
99.532
Medium or Technique
Ceramic, Black Figure
On View
Krupp Gallery (Gallery 215A)
Collections
Classifications
Side A: Boiotian (Kabirion): Fight between Achilles and Hektor before the walls of Troy. Hektor is defending himself with a round shield while Achilles throws his spear (Achilles’ hair flows out behind him showing movement) while both figures where short chitons, exposing their phalluses. Behind them, Priam stands before the gates of Troy, naked, with out-stretched arms. Between the fighting figures stands a bird facing Achilles. On this vase, Achilles appears as a caricature; however on related vases, Achilles is typically shown as a normal figure, perhaps in respect for the hero.
Side B: Three bearded men, a crane, etc.
A piece missing from (A).
Provenance
By 1899: with E. P. Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in London from a Greek); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, 1899, for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund