Nolan Amphora (storage jar): Demeter and Triptolemos; Pluton c. 450

Editor: This is a Nolan Amphora depicting Demeter and Triptolemos, likely from the Group of Polygnotos. The figures are painted in a reddish-orange against the black background. What strikes me is the almost ceremonial exchange taking place. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It is tempting to read this as a straightforward depiction of myth, but I encourage you to consider the power dynamics at play. Who controls the means of production, symbolized here by agriculture? The passing of wheat from Demeter to Triptolemos signifies not just knowledge, but also a transfer of authority. Editor: So, you're saying it's not just about agriculture, but about social control? Curator: Precisely. And consider the lack of agency given to the land itself, or the enslaved peoples who worked it. These silences speak volumes. By understanding the intersectional layers of power, gender, and labor, we can unpack the complex narratives encoded in this amphora. Editor: That’s a profound perspective. I hadn't considered the silences within the story. Curator: Ancient art is not just a snapshot of a story, but a reflection of societal structures.