Priam begging the body of Hector from Achilles
Summary
Public: Rectangular plaque, stoneware, solid pale blue jasper with applied reliefs in white depicting Priam begging the body of Hector from Achilles. Private: Thick rectangular plaque with slightly convex upper surface. White relief of Priam begging the body of Hector from Achilles, Achilles seated on a chair to extreme right with Priam kneeling before him kissing his hand, Automedontes, Achilles' shieldbearer, standing behind them. Behind Priam a two-horse chariot (that of Hector) with soldier and groom, behind chariot a cart with single horse and three men, containing gifts for Achilles.
Display Label
Priam Begging the Body of Hector from Achilles about 1788 Modelled by Camillo Pacetti 1758 - 1826 Made by Wedgwood Jasperware with applied relief This tablet depicts a scene from the Trojan war, as described by the Greek poet, Homer, in the Iliad. The Greek hero, Achilles, has killed Hector, the beloved son of Priam, the Trojan king, and dragged the corpse round the walls of Troy. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, has guided Priam into the Greek camp to beg for the return of the body. Here, the grieving king kneels at Achilles’ feet and kisses his right hand as a gesture of submission. Achilles rests his head on his other hand, looks away wearily, but finally agrees to the request. 1918.330
Object Name
Priam begging the body of Hector from Achilles
Creators Name
Date Created
c 1788
accession number
1918.330
Collection Group
Place of creation
Etruria
Medium
On Display
[BG] Manchester Art Gallery - Balcony Gallery
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Credit
Transferred from the Horsfall Museum Collection, 1918
Legal
© Manchester Art Gallery
