Amphore Collection

The death of Talos (Greek mythology giant). Right side detail. Red and white figure crater
BEN5473796 The death of Talos (Greek mythology giant). Right side detail. Red and white figure crater. Greek ceramic decorated by the painter from Talos (Inv.1501), 400-390 BC. Height: 75 cm

Polychrome ceramic jug decorated with a coat of arms. Palazzo del Bargello, Florence
BEN5479587 Polychrome ceramic jug decorated with a coat of arms. Palazzo del Bargello, Florence; Photo © Raffaello Bencini

Panathenaic amphora depicting an athlete receiving a trophy, 580-520 BC (ceramic)
869975 Panathenaic amphora depicting an athlete receiving a trophy, 580-520 BC (ceramic) by Greek, (6th century BC); Louvre, Paris, France; Greek, out of copyright

Herakles struggling with the Nemean lion, detail from an Attic black-figure amphora
AMQ103365 Herakles struggling with the Nemean lion, detail from an Attic black-figure amphora (pottery) by Greek, (6th century BC); Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Amphora depicting a cockerel, Corinthian Style (pottery)
XIR210365 Amphora depicting a cockerel, Corinthian Style (pottery) by Greek, (6th century BC); Louvre, Paris, France; Greek, out of copyright

Small Panathenaic Amphora, Bulas Group, Athens (ceramic)
CZA228772 Small Panathenaic Amphora, Bulas Group, Athens (ceramic) by Greek School, (4th century BC); height: 8.3 cm; Czartoryski Museum, Cracow, Poland; Greek, out of copyright

Three Panathenaic amphorae depicting an athlete receiving a trophy, Boxers and Athletes
XIR173493 Three Panathenaic amphorae depicting an athlete receiving a trophy, Boxers and Athletes, 580-520 BC (ceramic) (b/w photo) by Greek, (6th century BC); Louvre, Paris

Black-figure Panathenaic amphora depicting a boxing contest, c. 336 BC (pottery)
BAL99068 Black-figure Panathenaic amphora depicting a boxing contest, c.336 BC (pottery) by Greek, (4th century BC); British Museum, London

Fragment of Panathenaic Amphora (ceramic)
CZA228771 Fragment of Panathenaic Amphora (ceramic) by Greek School; 24.2x28.5 cm; Czartoryski Museum, Cracow, Poland; Greek, out of copyright

Panathenaic black figure amphora depicting a foot race (pottery)
XIR158663 Panathenaic black figure amphora depicting a foot race (pottery) by Greek, (5th century BC); Musee Municipal Antoine Vivenel, Compiegne, France; Greek, out of copyright

Attic red-figure amphora depicting Euphorbos and the infant Oedipus, from Vulci, c
XIR206982 Attic red-figure amphora depicting Euphorbos and the infant Oedipus, from Vulci, c.450 BC (ceramic) by Greek; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; Greek, out of copyright

Attic black-figure amphora depicting Athena, 5th century BC (pottery)
AMQ103372 Attic black-figure amphora depicting Athena, 5th century BC (pottery) by Greek, (5th century BC); Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Corinthian style amphora, c. 600 BC (ceramic)
XIR214206 Corinthian style amphora, c.600 BC (ceramic) by Greek, (7th century BC); diam: 17.5 cm; Musee des Beaux-Arts, Beziers, France; Greek, out of copyright

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"Exploring the Rich History and Artistry of Amphorae" Amphorae, ancient vessels crafted from ceramic, offer a captivating glimpse into the past. From intricate depictions of athletes receiving trophies on Panathenaic amphorae dating back to 580-520 BC, to Herakles' epic struggle with the Nemean lion portrayed in exquisite detail on Attic black-figure amphora - these artifacts transport us to a bygone era. The versatility of amphorae is evident in their varied designs. Corinthian Style pottery showcases an amphora adorned with a proud cockerel, while the Bulas Group's Small Panathenaic Amphora from Athens exhibits its own unique charm. The significance of athletic achievements is further highlighted through Three Panathenaic amphorae depicting victorious athletes and boxers. Panathenaic black figure and red-figure amphorae provide glimpses into different aspects of ancient life. A boxing contest takes center stage on a black-figure Panathenaic piece from around 336 BC, showcasing both skill and strength. Meanwhile, an Attic red-figure masterpiece depicts Euphorbos alongside infant Oedipus in a tale that has captivated audiences for centuries. Not limited to human subjects alone, these vessels also pay homage to mythical beings such as Athena - goddess of wisdom - depicted majestically on an Attic black-figure amphora from the 5th century BC. Additionally, nymphs grace some pieces; one can almost hear the gentle murmurs emanating from fragments like those found on a Panathenaic Amphora or envisioning nymphs frolicking near innocent fountains. Through their artistry and historical significance, these remarkable examples remind us that beyond being mere containers for goods or liquids, each amphora holds within it stories waiting to be discovered – tales that connect us with our ancestors and allow us to appreciate their creativity and cultural heritage.