Description:

Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Eastern Apulia, Gnathian, ca. 370 to 360 BCE. A wheel thrown Gnathian olpe vessel with a voluminous body and bifurcated loop handle, beautifully adorned in the traditional Gnathian manner with the application of different paints directly onto the glazed blackware surface - in this case added/fugitive red, white, and yellow pigments delineating decorative bands and stylized motifs as well as a lovely bird, perhaps a swan, flanked by floral blossoms. In Greek-influenced southern Italy, the swan as a symbol of Zeus was very much embraced. The swan was actually understood as the God Zeus - in "sheep's clothing" - who seduced the beautiful Leda to produce two children - Helen and Polydeuces. Larger olpes were made to pour wine; this one was probably created to be placed in a grave and filled with libations. A stunning example, replete with impressive technique, attractive painted decoration, symbolic iconography, and gorgeous iridescence. Size: 5.375" W x 6.875" H (13.7 cm x 17.5 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121218

  • Condition: Chips to rim. Expected surface wear with pigment losses as shown. Fabulous iridescence to the blackware.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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