Black-Figure Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Boxers

Two stout young boxers, unbearded, face off on this small wine jug. Curiously, while one boxer has both hands wrapped for fighting (in leather straps known as <em>himantes</em>), the other has left one hand bare, holding it up to fend off punches. The seated figure at left, with one hand raised, may be a judge. The standing figure at right, whose white hair and beard are now mostly gone, is likely a spectator.