Terracotta amphora (jar) 540 BC

This black-figure amphora, attributed to the Athenian potter Andokides, dates to 540 BC. The artwork depicts a chariot race with a charioteer and horses, a common theme in ancient Greek art that reflected the significance of athleticism and competition in their society. The use of black-figure painting, where figures are painted in black glaze against a red-clay background, is characteristic of this period and highlights the craftsmanship and skill of the Athenian potters. The amphora, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to the artistry and cultural values of ancient Greece.