Athenian Red-figure kantharos. Museum's Replica at real size
Red-figure kantharos is attributed to the vase painter Douris, who signed the work ("Douris egraphsen"). It dates to the first quarter of the 5th century BCE and originates from Athens. The vessel is preserved in the Campana Collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels.
The iconographic decoration unfolds across both sides of the vessel and portrays scenes of Amazonomachy: on one side, Herakles is depicted in combat with Amazons, wearing his characteristic lion skin and wielding a club; on the reverse side, Telamon also takes part in the battle. The armed Amazons carry bows and shields, and the scene includes animals such as a dog and a lion.
The painting is remarkable for its graceful linework and balanced composition, hallmarks of Douris’ style—one of the most prominent artists of the red-figure technique. The inscription “Chairestratos Kalos” praises the beauty of a young man, a typical motif found in symposiastic contexts of the time.
This vessel is an outstanding example of classical aesthetics and mythological themes, reflecting the heroic ideal of valor combined with technical excellence.
