A warrior holding a shield and spear.

The figure on this vase is a hoplite, one of the citizen-soldiers of the Greek city-states. Hoplites fought with a long spear and a short sword, though only the spear is shown here. The soldier wears greaves over his shins. The characteristic bronze helmet is tipped back to reveal his face. Hoplites carried a large circular shield about 80 cm in diameter, made of wood or leather and covered with bronze. It was held by a cross strap in the centre, here edged with tassels, and a grip near the rim.

White-ground lekythoi (oil flasks) like this one were typically used in a funerary context.

 

Literature: J. Falconer and T. Mannack, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum: Great Britain, Fascicule 19: Winchester College (Oxford, 2002), pp. 12-13, plate 9.18-20; Winchester College Memorial Buildings: Department of Classical Art (Winchester, 1909), pp. 18-19 (no. 50)

Provenance: From Eretria, at Winchester College by 1909

Location: Treasury, Gallery 3