This lid originally belonged to a small pyxis (box), probably used for storing jewellery or cosmetics. It is painted with a frieze of seven hoplite soldiers. Only the shields are clearly visible, with traces of heads and feet. Hoplites were heavily armoured infantry soldiers that formed the core of Greek armies.

 

Literature: J. Falconer and T. Mannack, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum: Great Britain, Fascicule 19: Winchester College (Oxford, 2002), p. 14, plate 10.20; Winchester College Memorial Buildings: Department of Classical Art (Winchester, 1909), p. 14 (part of no.18 with Gr46)

Provenance: Unknown, at Winchester College by 1909

Location: Treasury, Gallery 3