Detail View: The AMICA Library: Hydria (water jar) with protome of a woman

This hydria, like all Greek art, is marked by clearly defined parts organized into a harmonious well-proportioned whole. The plain body swells gently to the shoulder zone, which turns inward with a soft cushionlike curve. The shoulder is decorated with a simple shallow tongue pattern that echoes the vertical ribbing on the foot. The neck shoots from the shoulder to a flaring mouth from which the bust of a woman seems to emerge. The figure, which belongs to the vertical handle of the vessel, wears a peplos and her serene face is framed by carefully detailed hair. Rotelles with a rosette pattern give a semblance of outstretched hands. The inscription on the mouth indicates that this hydria was a prize awarded at games for the goddess Hera at her sanctuary in Argos in the Peloponnesos.