Black-Figure Pseudo-Panathenaic Prize Amphora (Storage Vessel) (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

540–530 BC
Greek (Attic)
Containers-Vessels
terracotta
Place Made,Greece
Overall: 12 × 7 7/8 in. (30.48 × 20 cm)
60.45

“Twice before in their ceremonies the Athenian voices have risen in sweetness to acclaim him; and in earth burnt by fire and the keeping of figured vessels the olive’s yield has come to Hera’s land.” – Pindar, Nemean Ode

Amphorae filled with oil from a grove of olive trees sacred to the goddess Athena were awarded to the victors at the quadrennial Panathenaic games held in Athens. Each amphora was decorated on one side with an image of Athena and, in most cases, an image of an athletic contest on the other. Small versions such as this example were perhaps souvenirs.

Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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