| Eleusis Amphora | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Material | Clay |
| Created | c. 638 BC by thePolyphemos Painter |
| Discovered | before 1935 Greece |
| Present location | Elefsina,Attica,Greece |
TheEleusis Amphora is an ancient Greek neckamphora, now in theArchaeological Museum of Eleusis, that dates back to the Middle Protoattic (c. 650–625 BCE).[1] The painter of the Eleusis Amphora is known as thePolyphemos Painter. It is decorated with black and white painted figures on a light colored background, which is characteristic of the "Black and White" style commonly seen in MiddleProtoattic pottery.[1] The amphora's decoration reflects the pottery of theOrientalizing period (c. 710–600 BCE),[2] a style in which human and animal figures depict mythological scenes.
The figures depicted on the amphora includeOdysseus,Polyphemus,Perseus,Athena, andMedusa's fellowgorgons. This amphora is the earliest known depiction of Athena in Attic art.
The size and shape of the amphora, as well as the fact that it is highly decorated, indicate that it was created as a tomb marker or monument. However, the remains of a 10–12-year-old boy were found inside the amphora,[3] meaning that it was ultimately used as anurn. This type of urn burial was commonly used to bury the remains of children from theIron Age (1100–900 BCE) to theArchaic period (600–500 BCE).[3]
The Eleusis amphora shows some of the earliest artistic depictions ofGreek mythology. On the neck of the vase, the figures depictOdysseus and his men blinding the cyclopsPolyphemus.[2] The register just below the neck shows a lion chasing a boar. Although it is hard to see because the amphora was found in pieces and then reconstructed, the central register showsAthena andPerseus escaping after Perseus beheadsMedusa.[3] This is the earliest known depiction of Athena in Attic art.[4] The figures with cauldron-shaped heads are moregorgons, which are snake-headed creatures like Medusa.[3]