Detail View: The AMICA Library: Chariot

AMICA ID: 
MMA_.03.23.1
AMICA Library Year: 
2000
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality: 
European; Southern European; Etruscan
Creator Name-CRT: 
Etruscan
Title: 
Chariot
Title Type: 
Object name
View: 
Detail
Creation Date: 
ca. 550-525 B.C.
Creation Start Date: 
-550
Creation End Date: 
-525
Materials and Techniques: 
Bronze, ivory
Classification Term: 
Bronzes
Dimensions: 
H. 51 9/16 in. (130.91 cm)
AMICA Contributor: 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 
03.23.1
Credit Line: 
Rogers Fund, 1903
Rights: 
Context: 

This chariot was discovered near Monteleone di Spoleto, Umbria. The wooden core is modern and the pole has not been reconstructed to its full length. The bronze repoussé reliefs on the chariot box illustrate three episodes in the life of a warrior or hero, perhaps Achilles. At the center, a woman, possibly Achilles' mother Thetis, brings armor. On one side, the hero fights with another warrior, possibly Memnon, over a third, fallen below. On the other side, the hero driving a winged chariot may represent Achilles' apotheosis (going to the islands of the blessed). At the junction of the central relief and those to either side are standing nude youths and in the zone below are centaurs, animals, and other figures. The dating is supported by the dates of the two Attic black-figure kylikes (drinking cups) found with the chariot.

Related Image Identifier Link: 
MMA_.gr03.23.1.AV2.tif