Terracotta amphora (jar) 540 BC

This black-figure terracotta amphora, dating back to 540 BC, was created by the Athenian artist Lydos. The amphora, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands at 21 15/16 inches tall and features a distinctive silhouette of a rider on horseback, executed in black glaze against a burnt orange background. This technique, known as black-figure painting, was common in ancient Greece and was used to decorate various types of pottery. The amphora, a type of jar with two handles, likely served a practical purpose in ancient Athenian society. This artifact is a significant example of ancient Greek ceramic art and provides insight into the cultural and artistic practices of the time.