Vatican Amphora

Artist- Exekias
Material and Dimensions-61 cm, Terracota
Place- Vulci, Italy
Year-Around 540-530 B.C.
- Exekias was an ancient Greek vase painter. Exekias is known for his work in the black figure technique. This large two handled pot was used for liquid and small sediment servings. Exekias painted a story of two warriors on this particular pot. Achilles on the left and Ajax on the right are depicted to be playing a dice game. This significant art piece is important because it illustrates how serious and dedicated warriors were to their towns. If you examine the picture, Achilles and Ajax both hold their spears in one hand while playing the dice game. This shows extreme dedications and illustrates a historical period where tensions must have been high. This piece of art is important because it shows how significant and how one warrior was devoted for action at any given time. Exekias was popular in his era and many artist copied his style of paintings and began drawing many warrior paintings including Andokides himself.