Attic black-figure
Nearchos's kantharos
Photograph: M. Tiverios, Elliniki Techni
Photograph: M. Robertson, Greek Painting
Museum: Athens, National Museum
Size: fragment (15.5cm.) of a large drinking vessel of special shape (kantharos) found on the Athenian Acropolis and signed by Nearchos as painter.
Function: convivial and dedicatory
Technique: black-figure (body), white-ground (rim)
Style: Mature black-figure
Subject/s: Achilles (named) harnesses his team (named).
Date: mid 6th c.
Analysis: unusual shape and technique (black and red tongue patterns painted on a white-slipped mouth rim), exceptionally fine draughtsmanship in figures and letter forms, indicate a special piece. Since it was found on the Acropolis it might have been dedicated there, before or after use.
