Attic red-figured lekythos depicting a discus thrower

A discus thrower is presented on the vase. His athletic body is depicted naked and his himation is resting on the stool behind him. On the folds the word “ΔORIS” is read. Probably this word comprises the signature of Douris, a quite well-known painter at the time. On the wall the essential equipment for the treatment of the athletes’ body, the sponge and the aryballos, is hanging.

The young man is holding the discus aloft in his left hand, while his gaze is directed to his right hand, which is stretched out behind him and is about to move towards the discus in order to perform the throw.

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  • Athens, National Archaeological Museum, inv. n. A 1305
  • 3rd quarter of the 5th c. BC
  • H. 0.3 m.
  • Clay
  • Provenance: Eretria
Bibliography
  • Tzachou-Alexandri, O. (Ed.), (1989). Mind and Body. Athletic Contests in Ancient Greece. National Archaeological Museum 15th May 1989- 15th January 1990, pp. 259-260, cat. no. 151 (Roza Proskynitopoulou), Athens: Ministry of Culture.
Attic red-figured lekythos depicting a discus thrower
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