Vases Black-figure Oinochoe Oinochoe (wine pitcher): Two Warriors in Combat; H...
Oinochoe (wine pitcher): Two Warriors in Combat; Hermes and Giant (?)
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Oinochoe (wine pitcher): Two Warriors in Combat; Hermes and Giant (?)

Black-figure the Athena Painter · Oinochoe · 500 BCE-480 BCE
Black-figure oinochoe with trefoil mouth. White ground panel on the front of the vessel depicts two figures in combat: Hermes and a giant. On the left, Hermes lunges forward, plunging his sword into the nude, bearded giant who turns to look back at his attacker as he falls to his knee. He holds a rounded shield in defense and wears a Corinthian helmet pushed back on his head. Engaged in action, Hermes wears a short chiton, cloak, high boots, and a petasos. A small lion leaps towards the giant from Hermes' feet.

The vessel is intact with added red details throughout including Hermes' beard, spear, and patterning on his cloak. The white ground panel is banded on the top and both sides by several rows of ornamental patterns. Red stripes circle the neck, lower body, and edge of the foot.
Shape
Technique
Period
Archaic period, Late, to Early Classical
Date
500 BCE-480 BCE
Culture
Greek
Dimensions
H: 25.30 cm W: 14.00 cm
Medium
Terracotta, white ground
Findspot
Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Attica
Museum
Harvard Art Museums
Accession Number
1927.154
Image Source
harvard
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)