Hydria (water jar): Priam Driving Forth

Artists

Description

The main scene on this hydria illustrates King Priam charging forth in a chariot to ransom for the body of Hector. King Priam is seated in the chariot and on his right is his charioteer. The chariot is being pulled by three horses but the third horse is barely visible, the only indications of its existence are its legs and incised lines by the face of the rightmost horse that depict a partial profile of its face. Directly in front of Priam is a warrior with a shield with a decoration in very faded added white and incised lines that appears to be a bird of prey, possibly a falcon. Behind the warrior are more men who are likely the king’s attendants. Behind the chariot is another attendant. All of the men in the scene are facing King Priam, likely to emphasize his power and status. On the shoulder of the hydria we see another scene where a man is fighting the Nemean Lion with a weapon painted in faded added red. This man is depicted directly above King Priam so this scene could function as a parallel to the main scene.

Provenance

Spencer Churchill Collection. Robinson Collection.