This is a classic amphora which is a large,
all purpose storage jar. The decoration on this vessel recounts
an episode from the legends of the Trojan War. Ajax was a fearless
Greek warriior, second only to Achilles in bravery. After the
death of Achilles the Greeks bestowed his magic armor on Odysseus
rather than Ajax. He was upset by this and killed himself.Here we see him preparing to die. He has set aside his helmet, shield, and spear and is crouching under a tree putting his sword upright in a mound of dirt so that he can fall upon it. The painting has a quiet beauty and the composition is exquisite. Two upright elements, the tree on the left and the shield on the right, frame and balance the figure of Ajax, the curving lines echo the swelling shape of the amphora and the rounding of the hero's powerful back as he bends forward. The whole composition focuses the viewer's attention on the head of Ajax and how close his head is to the sword.
Exekias, the painter, signed his vessels as both potter and painter. He took his subjects from Greek legends and matched his painted compositions to the vessel shape with great sensitivity.