greek vases.

Panathenaic amphora, ca. 530B.C.; Archaic
Attributed to the Euphiletos Painter
Greek, Attic
Terracotta



The Panathenaic amphora's purpose was to hold oil from the groves of Attica. It would then be awarded to the victor of the Panathenaic Games. It is the best example of a vase to serve an official function. Each Panathenaic amphora was made to a standardized size and shape and to hold 42 quarts/ 1 metretes. It was also decorated with black figure technique- this was when artists silhouetted forms with slip against the unpainted clay of the background. They then cut through the slip revealing the bare clay. 


The principle decoration can be found in the panels of the body and typically has an armed Athena on the front and illustration of the competition on the back. This amphora depicts a foot race, with five men and a youth. The detail is seen on the insicion to show the musculature.This vessels paintings are attributed to the Euphiletos Painter. There is an inscirption on the front which gives this vase as an official prize and also (very rare) the potter signature, Nikias.