12: The Hall of the Archaic and Classical Greek Art

Black Figure Hydria

Antimenes Painter

Attica. 530s BC

Hydria - a vessel with three handles for carrying water, of a type widespread in Greece.

The marvellous form of this hydria is covered with shiny black lacquer images showing preparations for a chariot race. The theme of sporting competitions, in which men proved their physical and moral perfection, often drew the attention of vase painters.

A young man in a long which chiton is putting his horse into the traces, and getting into the chariot is a bearded driver crowned with a laurel wreath. Nearby is a youth and, half hidden by the horses, is a naked athlete. The artist conveys the tense atmosphere before the start of a dangerous contest which demanded particular skill and bravery. The miniature is notable for the slow rhythmic movements, the balanced construction of the image, the beautiful outlines and the confident and careful drawing.