Attic red-figure lekythos with representation of a javelin thrower
A naked youth is preparing to throw the javelin. The figure has raised the javelin to a horizontal position next to his face, stepping steadily with his projecting left leg. The tight grip of the javelin and its rendering with a leaf-shaped head suggests that the young man is practising what is known as stochastikos akontismos (target javelin), i.e. the hitting of a predetermined target. This is supported by the whole pose of the figure, who, with the left arm stretched forward, balances himself and at the same time aims at the target.
The vase is attributed to the Providence Painter, a vase-painter who decorated mostly lekythoi, and is considered a student of the Berlin Painter.
- Athens, National Archaeological Museum, inv. no. A 17280
- Ca 470 – 460 BC
- H. 0.157 m.
- Clay
- Provenance: Athens.
Bibliography
- Gardiner, E, Ν. (1907). Throwing the Javelin, JHS 27, pp. 249-273.
- Παπουτσάκη-Σερμπέτη, Ε. (1983). Ο Ζωγράφος της Providence, Διδακτορική Διατριβή, Εθνικό κια Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, Αθήνα.
- Tzachou-Alexandri, O. (Ed.), (1989). Mind and Body. Athletic Contests in Ancient Greece. National Archaeological Museum 15th May 1989-15th January 1990, Athens: Ministry of Culture.
