1. The Penthesileia Painter Pyxis
460–450 B.C.
white-ground- Red-Figure Size: 17.2cm including lid
Potter: Unknown Painter: The Penthesileia Painter
Greek, Attic Terracotta
Found in the tomb of a young greek women in Cumae, Italy.

2. Penthesileia Painter Active between 470 and 450 BC
Painted Attic Red style vases
His real name is unknown, his name “Penthesileia Painter” comes from a famous vase that depicts the slaying of Queen Penthesileia by Achilles at Troy
177 vases have been attributed to this painter, 100 of which remain in fragments

3. The Pyxis is attributed to the same artist as this vase due to stylistic simmilarities.

4. His work is known for it’s large space filling pictures
Ornamental Decoration around the edges is often very narrow
Known for being very colourful,
Most of his vases depict youth and young boys engaged in athletic activity.
A lot of his scenes also depict people talking to Horses and Everyday scenes
He painted very few Mythological scenes

5. Pyxis plural:pyxides
A pyxis is a small vase that was usually used to store precious items. These were things such as cosmetics perfumes, jewelry or oils.
Had a separate firmly fitting lid.
Pyxis often depicted the wedding procession of the owner (young girl) and her husband

6. THE JUDGEMENT OF PARIS
Zeus threw a banquet for the marriage of Achilles parents
Eros (cupid) was not invited, and threw a Golden apple into the celebration that said “for the fairest one” on it.
Aphrodite, Hera and Athena all claimed the apple
They asked Zeus to judge it, but Zeus refused as Hera was his wife
The golden apple is referred to as the “Golden apple of discord”

7. “Golden apple of discourse”

8. Zeus appointed a mortal Paris to make the judgement
The Goddesses attempted to bribe Paris
Hera offered to make him King of Europe and Asia
Athena offered wisdom and skill in war
Aphrodite offered the love of the most
beautiful woman in the world, Helen
of Sparta
Paris awarded the Golden apple to
Aphrodite

9. “the face that launched a
Helen was already married to Menelaus, So Paris went to Sparta to steal his prize Helen. This is the mythological basis of why the Trojan War
Began. Helen’s face
was said to be
“the face that launched a
thousand ships."

10. SIDE A Paris is depicted as the humble shepherd sitting on the rock He is naked except for a Chlamys (short cloak) and a Petassos (travelling hat) Holds a club in his hand Appears to be in conversation with Messenger of the Gods Hermes (on the left) Hermes is wearing a Chlamys also He is carrying his magic staff called the Caducceus, which has a pair of snakes entwined about it

11. Paris’ left leg turns inward slightly, and is foreshortened.
The artist has shown different weights of fabric by differences in the closeness of the vertical lines on the drapery. However, the drapery does not really reveal the form of the body underneath.
Paris’ left leg turns inward slightly, and is foreshortened.

12. The areas framing the main frieze are painted in Red-Figure style, showing stylised leaves
Colours used are very vivid
Paris’ rock is the only part of the vase showing different tones to suggest shading

13. SIDE B
Standing behind Hermes are the 3 Goddesses, waiting to be judged
Hera stands directly behind Hermes wearing an Ionic Chiton (robe) and an embroidered cloak.
Wears a Diadem (crown) on head to show she is Queen of Heaven, carries staff in her hand. Gesture of modesty and also to show she is a married woman- a fold of her cloak is over her hair
On the left is Athena wearing the Aegis (featured in Homer’s Odyssey) Athena carries a spear and helmet to remind the viewer of her status as warrior goddess

14. Side C: Paris Athena Hera Eros Aphrodite – “the fairest” Hermes
Aphrodite stands with her winged son Eros (Cupid). She wears an ionic chiton, and she also wears a veil over her head to show she is married (to Hephaistos). Her head is slightly bent, and she looks down at Eros.

15. SIDE D, (but also SIDE A on your sheet so annotate that) The final figure is a bearded man. He is to the right of Paris and to the left of Aphrodite. He is tipping his staff toward Hermes and the 3 Goddesses The Identity of this figure is unknown but it is thought to be Priam, the King of Troy (father of Paris) NOTE: while most of the vase figures are fairly linear, some attempt has been made to make the rock Paris is sitting on look 3 D by varying colours

16. WHITE GROUND:
This is an early example of the new White-Ground Technique. The range of colours used was quite limited, as only colours which would withstand firing could be used – browns and oranges are the only colours.
This style was inspired by the wall painters, who had more freedom to depict the scenes of their choice on a more realistic white background.

17. FEATURES OF PAINTING STYLE
ANATOMY AND PAINTING STYLE:
The anatomy was not elegant or refined
Subject treated quite simply and humorously.
Paris is presented as a shepherd: his facial expression suggests he is puzzled.
Foreshortening evident in the way Paris’ left leg is turned inward.

18. Paris’ relaxed pose illustrates how anatomy can convey character and mood.
The three goddesses’ feelings are also depicted through pose e.g. Athena stands tall and defiant.
These figures have turned up noses and delicate nostrils, inclined heads and curly hair as this was trademark of the Penthesilia Painter.