Red-Figure Pelike Westreenen Painter Greek, Attic, c. 430 B.C. Joseph Veach Noble Collection Tanipa Museum of Art (86.64)

This pelike is a variation of an amphora, or wine storage vessel. It is from the 5th century classical period when Greece, and especially Athens, had reached the peak of its power and influence in the ancient world.

The theme, similar to a sculptural frieze on the Parthenon, the temple in Athens to the goddess Athena, is from the Panathenaic Festival and features two scenes from the festival procession when all the citizens of Athens paraded up to the Acropolis, a sacred rocky hill (where the Parthenon was located), to give homage to the goddess Athena. On the front is a young knight on a prancing horse sporting a short cape and a stylish hat. On the back is a young woman holding a torch to light the way.

This vase is an outstanding example of the refinement, elegance and restraint which are typically associated with classical standards of beauty. The vase is also interesting because of the lighter area behind the equestrian figure. This flaw occurred because a cool spot in the firing caused the slip to not turn as black as it should have.

This project funded through grants from the Junior League of Tampa, Inc. and the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, Arts in Education Program.