Theseus and the Marathonian bull, white-ground lekythos, ca. 500 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

A lekythos is a type of Greek pottery used for storing oil, especially olive oil. It has a narrow body and one handle attached to the neck of the vessel. The lekythos was used for anointing dead bodies and many lekythos are found in tombs. The images on lekythoi were often depictions of daily activities or rituals. Because they are so often used in funerary situations, they may also depict funerary rights, a scene of loss, or a sense of departure. These drawings are usually outline drawings that are quite expressionless and somber in appearance. The decoration of these ceramic vessels consists of a dull red and black paint. These colors may have been derived from the Bronze Age, but were not used until 530 B.C. in Athens. Many artists of these vessels attempt to add more color to the figures, but end up abandoning the idea as to leave more of a contrast. These vessels were very popular circa the 5th century B.C., however there are many that have been found dating all the way back to 700 B.C. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (317x766, 425 KB) Description Summary Lekythos à fond blanc, provenant dÉrétrie, vers 500 av. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (317x766, 425 KB) Description Summary Lekythos à fond blanc, provenant dÉrétrie, vers 500 av. ... Façade of the National Archaeological museum of Athens The so-called mask of Agamemnon, one of the best known pieces shown in the museum Jockey of Artemision The National Archaeological museum of Athens houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece. ... Krater (mixing bowl), 1200-1100 BC, National Archaeological Museum, Athens The pottery of ancient Greece is one of the most tangible and iconic elements of ancient Greek art. ...

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Lekythos