Unveiling the Hidden Treasures of Greek Pottery: The Ajax and Achilles Amphora

Greek pottery is known for its intricate designs and captivating stories, but did you know that many pots have ‘B-sides’? One fascinating example is the Ajax and Achilles playing dice amphora, which has an incredible yet lesser-known second scene. This intriguing aspect of Greek pots adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of ancient art.

Discovering the Ajax and Achilles Pot

The Ajax and Achilles amphora is remarkable not only for its primary depiction of these iconic heroes engaged in a game of dice but also for what lies on its reverse side. As many enthusiasts and scholars have pondered, it raises the question: what exactly is portrayed on the other side of this stunning vessel?

A Journey Beyond the Trojan War

Upon flipping the amphora, we are greeted by a strikingly different scene that shifts the focus away from the Trojan War. Instead of war and conflict, this side showcases Heracles, one of the most celebrated Greek heroes, known for his countless exploits and the Twelve Labors he undertook.

The Apotheosis of Heracles

This captivating depiction illustrates Heracles being drawn in a chariot to Olympus, marking his ascension to godhood—a moment known as his apotheosis or deification. It’s a powerful narrative that encapsulates the idea of heroism, transformation, and the eternal struggle between mortality and divinity.

A Divine Assembly

In this scene, we also encounter an intriguing assembly of Greek deities. Dionysus, the god of wine, is present, elegantly holding a wine cup, while Apollo and Hermes, the messenger god, guide the horses. Each character plays a vital role in conveying the divine approval of Heracles’ journey to Olympus.

The Lack of Narrative Connection

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Interestingly, this secondary scene bears no direct narrative connection to the primary depiction of Ajax and Achilles playing dice. This characteristic is quite common in Greek pottery, where two distinct scenes often coexist—one being the main attraction and the other serving as a secondary illustration that sometimes feels unrelated.

The Intriguing Concept of B-sides

While "B-sides" are typically associated with music, the concept resonates equally well with Greek pottery. In the realm of ancient ceramics, the secondary scenes often vary in compositional quality and thematic depth compared to their more prominent counterparts.

A Lesser-Known Masterpiece

Although the B-side of the Ajax and Achilles amphora might not possess the same compositional beauty and clarity as the main scene, it still presents a rich tapestry of meaning. In this case, the arrangement of characters creates a sense of clustering that diminishes visual clarity, a common challenge faced in black-figure pottery.

The Complexity of Composition

The overlapping figures present on this side of the amphora can be visually overwhelming. In black-figure techniques, distinguishing one character from another can be quite difficult, especially when they are layered upon one another.

The Role of Color in Representation

Initially, the clarity of characters such as Athena and Heracles may have benefited from the addition of white paint to denote female figures. However, this detail has faded over time, leaving us with a more ambiguous portrayal that hints at the complexities of ancient artistic practices.

Thematic Resonance Among Heroes

While there is no direct link between the two scenes, a thematic connection does emerge when considering the figures of Ajax, Achilles, and Heracles. All three heroes, celebrated for their strength and valor, exemplify the archetypal image of perfect masculinity in the Greek context.

Exploring Heroic Archetypes

Ajax and Achilles, much like Heracles, are tragic figures who experience untimely deaths. This shared fate creates an interesting parallel, drawing attention to the ideals of heroism, mortality, and the pursuit of glory that pervade Greek mythology.

Deconstructing Visual Narratives

As we delve deeper into the artwork of Greek pottery, we start to recognize the intricate narratives artists wove into their pieces. The B-side of the Ajax and Achilles amphora is a perfect example of how layers of meaning can exist even where direct storytelling does not.

Final Thoughts on Greek Pots

The Ajax and Achilles amphora serves as a compelling case study in the world of ancient ceramics. With a captivating main scene and a thought-provoking B-side, it encourages us to look beyond surface appearances and appreciate the depth and complexity of Greek artistry.

Celebrate the Intricacies of Greek Pottery

Next time you come across a Greek pot, take a moment to consider what might lie on its less prominently featured side. The stories told through these vessels are not only about the heroic actions and legendary figures but also reflect the philosophical musings of a civilization that still resonates with us today.



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42 COMMENTS

  3. stay there Annie, i had told your dads Joe Biden, he shall also dies, and will be with you soon, butta at time beings he has got to protect America as well as he should am, okays, i am Ajax Grrek, still in Malaysia

  4. You are nothing but thieves. Give us our stuff back. If of course you want to get rid of the name "thieves". We are competent and we CAN keep our artifacts safe. you have effectively stolen and repeatedly refused to give back a huge part of our culture. Shame on you

  7. Curator's Corner is always a revelation. As a potter I have always wondered about "B" sides. Many potters will ignore it and do nothing. I have mostly endeavoured to make vase forms that are all "A" side but not always successfully. I am so glad to hear that the much lauded classical Greek pot painters faced the same challenges.

  11. I've watched both of the amphora videos. I wonder who that amphora was originally intended for — after the artist created it? After seeing the first video, I spent the rest of my evening learning about Achilles and Ajax. I have no knowledge of Greek mythology so Victoria's discussions of what the amphora's drawing signify have whetted my interest in that area.

  14. I note the convention of painting women in a lighter colour was also used to the South in Egypt. Some people have tried to interpret the convention as a reality. I can't see any biological way that could happen, so good luck to them!

  18. Just coming across these very interesting videos. Interesting contrast. Heracles becomes a god. Ajax and Achilles are mortals who go down into Hades. Do we know what the jar once contained? Anyway, thank you so much for these videos.

  24. Did the same artist always paint both the A and B sides? For example, did the master artist paint the A side and then give the pot to a student to finish the B side? What made me wonder was the statement that B sides were often mass produced.

  27. 1) I thing the scene of Heracles is actually the A scene, and the scene of Ajax is the b scene.
    2) The common thing of Heracles with Apollo, Hermes and Dionysus is that they are all sons of Zeus.

  32. Looks corrupted. Graeco-roman art was pinched. My money's on it being Etruscan as that's where it was found. The Etruscans burried their dead well!
    How come the white beard didn't come off over time? Two completely different scenes… that wouldn't make sense! Must have been that journey from the grave to the museum! Perhaps the lady was a red head like all the ladies in the Pompeii exhibition? And the Phoenicians and the Cartheginians(Cathars). Cathars were burnt at the stake because they adored the sun. Murderer with a sense of humour was Pope Innocent!
    Rome was very good at stealing Gods. No country knows this better than England!

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