The artwork, titled “Terracotta Lekythos (oil Flask),” was created in approximately 500 BC and is attributed to Ancient Greek Pottery. It is crafted from terracotta and belongs to the Archaic art movement. The genre of the artwork is a combination of mythological painting and utensil, and it is a part of the Black-figure series. This significant piece is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features the classic form of a lekythos, a type of ancient Greek vessel used for storing oil. Its slender, elegant shape includes a narrow neck, a single handle, and a flared lip. The design exemplifies the technical and artistic precision synonymous with the Archaic period. The decoration depicts mythological scenes painted in the black-figure technique, in which figures and motifs are rendered in black slip on the natural red clay background, then details are incised to reveal the underlying clay. These scenes often convey stories from Greek mythology, making the lekythos not only a utilitarian object but also a storytelling medium. The visual narrative is framed by intricate patterned borders, further enhancing the vessel’s intricate aesthetic. This piece reflects the cultural and artistic practices of ancient Greece, where utility and beauty were seamlessly integrated.
