no discernible pattern in the decoration. There is a unifying element in the dual-tone
colouring of the animals, but again the colouring is used differently in each individual
creature. Working within the clear boundaries made by the horizontal bands, the artist
seeks a free representation of his subject.
Pottery of the archaic period reaches its culmination at Athens in the mid-sixth
century. A beautiful example of the finest archaic style is the vase depicting Achilles
and Ajax playing draughts (the protagonists are named on the vase), executed and
signed by the Athenian Exekias c. 530 (fig. 46). The heroes are so rapt in concentration
that they do not hear the call to battle.
224 THE GREEKS
FIGURE 46
Vase of Exekias
Source:Rome,
Vatican