Two-handled amphora (Boston 63.1515)

This two-sided, red figure belly amphora is housed in the Classics wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

[1] With flat handles decorated with depictions of ivy, and a double layered foot, it qualifies as a type A amphora.

Side A shows the tussle between Apollo and Herakles over the Delphic Tripod, a common subject in painted vases.

These bronze tripods were used for sacrifices, and were a very common votive offering at Archaic Greek temples; large numbers have been found at Apollo's important cult site of Delphi, where this legend is set.

[6] This composition of this side, with three figures evenly spaced, with varied and expressive poses, is a type adapted by Etruscan artists in their tomb paintings, as well as vases made in Etruria.