Red-figure pelike

It is a red-figure pelike depicting the departure of a warrior, dating to the 5th c. BC.

The centre is dominated by the figure of the young man, who holds a spear in his right hand, while in his left hand is a shield and his helmet. He is bidden farewell by his wife and a bearded male figure. With her left hand, the female figure holds an oinochoe and with the right a bowl, ready for the farewell libation.

That was a common scene in the 5th c. BC Athenian vase-painting as the city was continuously involved in military campaigns.

On the other side, three young men are depicted in a scene of conversation.