Lekythos 499 BC

This is a Lekythos, a type of Greek pottery made in Athens around 581 BC, probably by an artist from the so-called Class of Athens 581. The vessel is ceramic, formed on a potter's wheel and fired. But what’s really striking is the painting. Notice how the artist has used a black glaze to create bold silhouettes against the red clay of the pot itself. This is known as the black-figure technique. The scene shows a chariot, perhaps part of a procession or competition. It’s a glimpse into the world of ancient Greece. Pottery like this wasn't just functional; it was a canvas for storytelling, and the potters of Athens were skilled craftspeople, meeting a demand for finely decorated wares. Considering the effort it took to source the materials, shape the clay, and fire the pot, we can appreciate the artistry that elevates this vessel beyond mere utility. It is a testament to the skilled labor that underpinned ancient Athenian society.