The Panathenaic prize amphora was excavated in Vulci, Italy in March 1829 for the collection of Lucien Bonaparte, the first Prince of Canino, Italy. In 1837, the greek vases found on Lucien Bonaparte's estate at Vulci were auctioned, with Edward J. Jekyll purchasing the amphora. In 1914, Edward Perry Warren purchased the amphora through the Christie, Manson, and Woods auction house during the estate sale of Edward J Jekyll, followed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art purchasing the piece from Warren the same year. With all documentation in order and the history of excavation and purchase being clear, the Metropolitan Museum of Art morally should display this work of art within its collection.
Greek pottery, especially the black-figure and red-figure techniques, was a medium for storytelling. Scenes from mythology, daily life, and historical events were depicted on pottery, providing insights into Greek culture, values, and beliefs. The Panathenaic prize amphora depicts both a foot race and Athena Promachos. The foot race, seen on the front of the amphora, is in reference to a Stadion. A Stadion was the first Olympic game, named after the building it took place in. As shown on the vase, the five competitors ran in the nude, which was a tribute to Zeus and a way for athletes to intimidate their competitors and showcase their physique. On the opposite side of the vase, Athena is seen in battle armor. Athena, known as the god of wisdom and warfare, holds a spear and shield, also wearing a helmet.This is considered to be Athena Promachos, which translates to "Athena who fights in the front line."
Greek pottery, especially the black-figure and red-figure techniques, was a medium for storytelling. Scenes from mythology, daily life, and historical events were depicted on pottery, providing insights into Greek culture, values, and beliefs. The Panathenaic prize amphora depicts both a foot race and Athena Promachos. The foot race, seen on the front of the amphora, is in reference to a Stadion. A Stadion was the first Olympic game, named after the building it took place in. As shown on the vase, the five competitors ran in the nude, which was a tribute to Zeus and a way for athletes to intimidate their competitors and showcase their physique. On the opposite side of the vase, Athena is seen in battle armor. Athena, known as the god of wisdom and warfare, holds a spear and shield, also wearing a helmet.This is considered to be Athena Promachos, which translates to "Athena who fights in the front line."
References
“Christie’s (London).” Royal Academy of Arts, www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/organisation/christies-london. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.
“Lucien Bonaparte, Prince of Canino and Musignano.” British Museum, www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG21346. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
Richter, Gisela M. A. 1915. "Department of Classical Art Accessions of 1914: Athenian Vases." Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10(5): pp. 100–1, fig. 4.
“Terracotta Panathenaic Prize Amphora.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/248902. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
“Christie’s (London).” Royal Academy of Arts, www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/organisation/christies-london. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.
“Lucien Bonaparte, Prince of Canino and Musignano.” British Museum, www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG21346. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
Richter, Gisela M. A. 1915. "Department of Classical Art Accessions of 1914: Athenian Vases." Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10(5): pp. 100–1, fig. 4.
“Terracotta Panathenaic Prize Amphora.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/248902. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.