Attic red-figured amphora

National Archeological Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material Ceramic
Date range 450 BC – 425 BC (Third quarter of the 5th century BC)
Origin Unknown provenance (Work of a painter from the Polygnotan Group)

The hero Triptolemos on his winged chariot. He was sent by the gods to teach all of mankind how to grow corn and farm the land. This holy mission was a central part of ancient Greek religious stories about the gift of food.

The scene captures a sacred ceremony before he leaves on his journey. Triptolemos holds a phiale, which is a shallow bowl used to pour wine as an offering to the gods. This ritual ensured he had divine protection and success while spreading the knowledge of agriculture.

Museum label reference:

1166 Attic red-figured amphora. Unknown provenance. The mission of Triptolemos to teach the cultivation of corn to mankind. Triptolemos, crowned, sits on his winged chariot holding a sceptre and a phiale. Demeter, at the right, with a sceptre. Kore, at the left, with torch and oinochoe for the departure libation. Work of a painter belonging to the Polygnotan Group. Third quarter of the 5th century B.C.

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Attic red-figured amphora showing Triptolemos on his winged chariot

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Source:  Athens, Greece