Hydria (water jar): The Ransom of Hector

Artists

Description

Red-figure hydria (kalpis). The vessel is intact with restorations on one side of the mouth and one side handle. In the figural panel is restricted to the shoulder and depicts the ransom of Hector. A dead Hector lies under a table in the center of the scene, having just been drug behind Achilles's chariot. His ankles are still bound and his body is covered with bleeding wounds. To the right are Achilles's shield Above the body, Achilles lounges on a dining couch, still holding his food that drips with blood. At the left is Priam who lunges towards Achilles, asking for the release of Hector's body. Between Priam and Achilles is the inscription in Greek "Priamos." Several additional inscriptions on the vase are meaningless. The figural scene is framed on the top and sides by a knotted-net border and on the bottom by a band of dentils. Below the framed scene runs a wide band of palmettes. Added red is used for the inscriptions as well as several details (Achilles's fillet, blood on Hector's body and dripping from the meat).

Dimensions

38.1 cm h x 38 cm diam at handles (15 x 14 15/16 in.)

Provenance

[Munzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, May 6, 1967, Auction 34, lot 149], sold; to Frederick M. Watkins, New Haven, CT, (1967-1972), bequest; to Fogg Art Museum, 1972.