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Lydos has used the available space very successfully. He has decorated the bottom of the belly of the vase with stylised rays and the slip of the vase in a stylised pattern. This sets them apart from the main narrative which has been placed in the center of the belly of the vase as it is the most important. .
On the Exekias belly amphora Exekias continues "The Grand Style" of Attic black-figure. Side A depicts a scene from a lost poem about the Trojan War. The story tells of how Achilles and Ajax were so immersed in playing a board game that they did not hear the approaching enemy and so when the Trojans attacked they were still playing. Exekias has depicted the moment when Achilles and Ajax were still at play. .
Exekias has presented Achilles as the dominant figure. He is wearing a Corinthian helmet with a horsehair crest, while Ajax plays bareheaded, his helmet hangs above his shield which "leans" on the edge of the panel behind him, mirroring the position of Achilles shield on the opposite wall. Both shields are intricately decorated. Ajax and Achilles are presented holding two spears, ready for duty. Both are dressed in full battle armour.
The composition of the central figures is triangular, with Achilles" horsehair crest at the apex. The two spears which the heroes hold form a reverse triangle which bisect their necks, making their heads the focus. As a final touch, the gently curving backs of the warriors follow the shape of the vase. .
Side B depicts the return of the Dioskouri, or the heavenly twins Castor and Polydueces, to the home of their parents King Tyndareus and Queen Leda of Sparta. Polydueces is welcomed by the family dog; his mother Leda stands near by offering flowers and a stick to her other son Castor. Castor who is leading his horse with one hand and holding a spear in the other turns his head to acknowledge his mothers welcoming gesture. The pose of Castor is typical of the period, as only the head of the hero turns while his body remains rigidly in profile.
