Terracotta Neck Amphora Vase

The Terracotta Neck Amphora with the Battle between Herakles and the Centaur Nessos was created circa 675-650 B.C. during the middle of the orientalizing period, which lasted roughly from 700-600 B.C. This art period drew inspiration from eastern countries like Anatolia, Syria, Assyria, Phoenicia, and Egypt. Throughout this time period there was a significant increase in the number of Greek colonies within Asia minor. Ionians in particular began to colonize this area which lead to the development of an increased appreciation for ionic and oriental style. A taste for luxury and delicacy arose along with special attention to detail, elaboration, and texture. Additionally, This art period drew inspiration from eastern countries like Anatolia, Syria, Assyria, Phoenicia, and Egypt.
The amphora was commonly found in kitchens to store perishable items like grains, wines, and oils. This vase in particular however, has a newfound attention to detail and luxury that places it above such storage containers. As a result of this, the vase was rather used as a grave marker because it was more so a status symbol because of its elegance and size considering it was around three and a half feet tall. This is one of many similarities that the Terracotta Neck Amphora with the Battle between Herakles and the Centaur Nessos shares with the Eleusis Vase which was also created circa 675-650 B.C. The Eleusis Vase was also of funerary purpose and also shared the value of elegance and intricate design. Additionally, this vase exhibits conceptual catalogs of the human body. This is depicted through the profile legs, arms, and head contrasted by the frontal