A beautiful Attic black-figure painted amphora, created in Athens during the Golden Age in around 540 BC, is one of the top lots at Bonhams Antiquities sale in London on Tuesday 28 November. It is estimated at £40,000-70,000.

The scene depicts the slaying of the Nemean lion. This was the first of the 12 Labours of Herakles, which the divine hero undertook as penance for killing his children in an induced fit of madness. He is depicted using one of the lion's paws to strip the skin from the animal, having stunned it with his club and strangled it to death. Herakles is often portrayed wearing the lion's skin as a sign of his immense strength. He is watched by his nephew and close companion, Iolaos, and the Goddess Athena, the patron of Athens who was also half-sister to Herakles and often appears alongside him as he performed his Labours. Unusually, the amphora is decorated with the same scene on both sides, with only minor variations in the poses of the figures.

Although plain amphorae were widely used for storage – often to transport and keep wine – painted amphorae, such as the one for sale, had a variety of social and ceremonial purposes, and were highly prized. The painter of this vase belonged to what is known as the Group E set of painters operating in Athens in the mid-6th century BC, from which one of the greatest known Greek vase painters, Exekias, emerged. Members of the Group favoured mythological scenes, and were known for adding touches of red to the predominantly black figures.

Bonhams Head of Antiquities, Francesca Hickin said: 'This is a finely painted amphora, from one of the most important and influential Groups of Attic painters of the 6th Century B.C. The elegance of the scene is mirrored by the elegant shape of the vase, which was surely a prestige piece from the moment of manufacture.'

For further information and images call Pippa MacNeil on +44 (0) 20 7468 8210, or email pippa.macneil@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com.