Greek Oil Flask with Hector and Achilles in Battle 6th-5th century B.C. A terracotta piriform Attic black figure lekythos with splayed foot, waisted neck and everted rim, painted with short tongues at the base of neck, long tongues on the shoulder and black figure warriors in combat holding spears and shields between two standing male figures. Cf. Papuci-W?adyka, E., Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Poland Fascicule 11, Cracow Fascicule I, Cracow, 2012, figs. 43ff. 47.3 grams, 92mm (3 5/8 in.). Q. Sch estate collection, 1960s. Ex Luzia Richter. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by a copy of a positive Kotalla Laboratory thermoluminescence report no.01PR8062022. The duel between Achilles and Hector was one of the most frequently-painted decorative themes found on Greek pottery. The painter here represents the scene from the Iliad: 'And Achilles made at him, for his heart was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with his fair graven shield, and shaked his bright four-plated helm; and round it waved fair golden plumes, that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest' (Iliad of Homer, book XXII, 306-316). [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]