Lydos
Black-figure Neck Amphora with Two Horsemen

CultureGreek (Attic)
Titles
  • Black-figure Neck Amphora with Two Horsemen
Date560–540 BC
Fabricated inGreece
MediumTerracotta
Dimensions14 1/2 × 10 1/4 in. diameter (36.8 × 26 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by James R. Crane, James C. Flores, Robin Gibbs, Lee Godfrey, and Gary Petersen at "One Great Night in November, 2008" in honor of our armed forces serving abroad
Object number2008.515
Current Location
The Audrey Jones Beck Building
200 Jamail Atrium
On view

Explore Further

Department
Antiquities
Object Type
Description

Ancient Greek amphoras were general-purpose containers for holding liquids. In a funerary context, they could also hold the ashes of the deceased. The Latin amphora derives from Greek words referring to the two characteristic handles of these vessels.


 This elaborate amphora is remarkable for its large size, intact condition, and excellent painting. It was created as a burial offering and is similar to the work of Lydos, an ancient Athenian vase painter. The design depicts a nude, athletic youth riding bareback on a grand, muscular black horse. The animal's front hooves are raised to indicate the speed of a gallop. The scene attests to the important role of the horse as an ultimate status symbol in the Greek world.


ProvenanceDr. Thoma, Germany, 1958; [Phoenix Ancient Art, New York/Geneva, by 2008]; purchase by MFAH, 2008.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Stamp in a circle on the underside: "77 OZ / *1-11* / (cross)"

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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