Belly Amphora by the Andokides Painter (Munich 2301) facts for kids
The Belly Amphora is a very famous ancient Greek vase. It is kept in a museum in Munich, Germany, called the Staatliche Antikensammlungen. This special vase was made around 520 to 510 BC. It is about 53.5 centimeters (21 inches) tall. It was found in a place called Vulci.
What makes this vase so unique? It's a "bilingual vase." This means it shows two different painting styles on the same pot! One side uses the old "black-figure" style, and the other uses the newer "red-figure" style. Bilingual vases are rare, especially ones that show the exact same scene in both styles. This makes the Belly Amphora perfect for comparing these two ancient Greek art techniques. The potter Andokides signed the vase, meaning he likely made it.
What is a Bilingual Vase?
The Andokides Painter is thought to have invented the red-figure style of Greek vase painting. Before this, the black-figure style was common. In the beginning, both styles were used at the same time. Sometimes, like with this Belly Amphora, both styles were painted on different sides of the same vase.
This amphora is extra special because both sides show the same picture. This helps us see the differences between the two painting methods very clearly. Both scenes show Herakles, a very important hero from Greek mythology. He is shown relaxing on a couch, having a drink.
The Black-Figure Side
On the black-figure side, Herakles is lying down. He holds a drinking cup called a kantharos in his right hand. He is looking at the goddess Athena, who stands in front of him. Behind Athena is Hermes, the messenger god, wearing winged sandals and a hat. A smaller servant is also there, mixing wine in a large bowl called a dinos.
In front of the couch, there is a low table with food like meat and bread. Another drinking cup, a kylix, is also on the table. Vines frame the scene in the background. Herakles' weapons are hanging above him, as if on a wall.
The Red-Figure Side
The red-figure side is a bit different. The servant and Hermes are not there. Herakles' weapons are also missing. The vines that frame the scene are more detailed and winding. Herakles is shown sitting up more on the couch. One of his hands is holding his knee.
On this side, Herakles and Athena seem more separate from each other. The kantharos (drinking cup) is painted black, which makes it stand out a lot. Athena is giving Herakles a half-opened flower. The clothes of both figures look much richer and more detailed on this side. This is because the red-figure style allowed for more fine lines and details.
Gallery
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Black-figure side of the amphora, detail.
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Red-figure side of the amphora, detail.
See also
In Spanish: Ánfora panzuda del Pintor de Andócides para niños
