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View: Side A

Two-handled storage jar (pelike) depicting young athletes jumping

Greek
Archaic Period
about 520–515 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions Height: 31.1 cm (12 1/4 in.); diameter (max.): 24.4 cm (9 5/8 in.)
Credit Line Juliana Cheney Edwards Collection
Accession Number1973.88
ClassificationsVessels

DescriptionSide A: Two nude youths jumping together together accompanied by flute music; leapers at center, flautist at right, facing them, wearing a cloak (himation).
Above the figures is the name "Kalipides", and between the jumpers and the piper is the name "Aineas" (Aeneas). Below is the inscription "Leagros is handsome" (LEAGROS KALOS)

Side B: A piper (named "Smikythion") accompanies two nude jumpers, the same two youths depicted on the front of the vase, seen from rear. They are probably athletes in training. Inscriptions in between the piper and the jumpers read: "Smikythion"; "Leagros is handsome, yes indeed!" (LEAGROS KALOS NAI XI)

The action may represent a Greek competitive dance exercise called bibasis, a Laconian dance for both boys and girls.
Inscriptions"Aineas", "Kallipides", Leagros is handsome" (LEAGROS KALOS), "Smikythion", "Leagros is hansome, yes indeed!" (LEAGROS KALOS NAI XI)
ProvenanceBy 1972: with Fritz Bürki, Am Luchsgraben 61, 8051 Zurich, Switzerland (said to have been in a Swedish private collection); purchased by MFA from Robert E. Hecht (acting as agent for Fritz Bürki), February 14, 1973