Exekias Amphora

One of the most famous black figured amphora and one of Exekias masterpieces. Exekias had a liking to capture the mentality of his subjects rather than the act itself. This is a scene from Homer’s Iliad where Achilles and Ajax are playing dice during a battle break. The heroes are absorbed in the game, appearing calm.

On the other side of the amphora, Dioskouri Castor and Pollux are returning to their family home. Castor looks towards his mother Leda who offers him a flower. On the right stands their father, Tyndareus caressing the horse and a child carrying clothes for the naked Pollux who plays with the dog.

Copy from Original black figure amphora, 540-530 BC - Vatican Museum