Terracotta Lekythos (oil Flask) 500 BC

This terracotta lekythos, or oil flask, was crafted by an Ancient Greek potter sometime between 900 and 31 BC. The function of this vessel is clear from its shape. The painting on its surface, however, provides insight into the cultural context of its production. We see an action scene that most likely depicts a combat between mythological figures. Like all images, this painting would have been shaped by a social context. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. In order to fully understand the work, we can study its design, or more broadly look to the visual culture of Ancient Greece. For example, we can learn more about the way war was perceived in the collective imagination of the Greeks. Art historians explore such questions through a broad range of research resources. Ultimately, we seek to understand the role of art in society and the meaning of art as something that is contingent on social and institutional context.