Oinochoe (wine pitcher): Two Warriors in Combat; Hermes and Giant (?)

Artists

Description

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.

Dimensions

25.3 x 14 cm (9 15/16 x 5 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Edward Perry Warren, Esq., London (by 1927), gift; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1927.