Art Institute of Chicago

Hydria (Water Jar)

Attributed to the Iliupersis Painter

Date

360-350 BCE

Medium

terracotta, red-figure

Culture

Apulia

Department

Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

In ancient Greece it was considered uncivilized to consume undiluted wine, so water was fetched from a public fountain house in a large handled jar like this one and used to dilute large quantities of wine. The horizontal handles made it easier to carry, while the vertical handle at the back was used for pouring. On the front of the vessel, six female figures are arranged around a funeral momument, topped by a tall white pillar. Some of the women are standing while others are seated, and hold objects like fans or caskets for precious objects. Below the handles on the sides of the vessel, the painter has added two owls.

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