The lion, the strongest and most dangerous of all animals, was the measure that the brave, heroic fighter or athlete had to apply to his physical strength and courage. He was supposed to copy the leopard's suppleness.
The aryballos is the typical anointing vessel for men. Together with the strigilis, the scraper, it was part of the equipment used by the men for body care after athletic training in the palaestra. (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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