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| APULIAN PAIR OF RED-FIGURE HYDRIAI FROM THE WORKSHOP OF THE DARIUS PAINTER Both scenes show a pair of women bringing offerings to a tomb with a monument in the form of an Ionic naiskos. These appear frequently on Apulian funerary vessels and have the appearance of a columned porch with a triangular pediment. The palmettes at the peak and corners of the roof are called akroterions. Naiskoi are usually painted white in imitation of the sculptural decoration of the tombs. These examples are unusual, however, as the naiskos on vase 2 has a large flowering plant inside it, and the one on vase 1 contains a loutrophoros, a type of tall, slender amphora with nuptial and funerary associations. This loutrophoros has figure decoration in white and perhaps represents a gold vessel with silver inlays. Published: A.D. Trendall, The Red-figured Vases of Apulia, Suppl. II, 1992, p. 156, no. 18/196B-C, pl. XL, 1-2. Ex Swiss collection, Geneva, Switzerland; Patricia Kluge collection, Charlottesville, Virginia, acquired from Royal-Athena in 1990. Ca. 320 BC H. 18 1/4 in. (46.4 cm.) 1,000 Years of Ancient Greek Vases II, no. 122 PK0970K, PK0973K SOLD Sales More information below. |
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| The size and decoration of these vases leave no doubt that they were made as a pair, and it is probable that they are from the same tomb. The shape is standard for Ornate-Style Apulian hydrias of the late 4th century, with a tall foot and neck and a relatively angular shoulder. This type of hydria, with a continuous profile from neck to foot, and the handle from shoulder to neck, is called a kalpis. The two vases have similar decorative schemes, with wave-pattern on the mouth and black tongues at the roots of the handles. On both vases there is a band of egg pattern between the neck and shoulder, and below this a “necklace” of yellow pendants. On Vase 1 a band of rosettes circles the neck, and on Vase 2 a laurel wreath. On both vases a ground line of maeanders circles the lower body; on Vase 1 these alternate with dotted cross-squares, but on Vase 2 there is only a single square in front. The backs of both vases are decorated with large complexes of palmettes and spiraling tendrils, that on Vase 2 being somewhat more intricate. Both scenes show a pair of women bringing offerings to a tomb with a monument of the naiskos (“little temple”) type. These appear frequently on Apulian funerary vessels and have the appearance of a columned porch (in this case, Ionic) with a triangular pediment. The palmettes at the peak and corners of the roof are called akroterions. Naiskoi are usually painted white in imitation of the sculptural decoration of the tombs. These examples are unusual, however, as the naiskos on vase 2 has a large flowering plant inside it, and the one on Vase 1 contains a loutrophoros, a type of tall, slender amphora with nuptial and funerary associations. This loutrophoros has figure decoration in white and probably represents a gold vessel with silver inlays. A fillet hangs above the vessel. The podiums of the two naiskoi are differently decorated, that on Vase 1 having a maeander, that on Vase 2 a wave-pattern. On both vases, the women flanking the tomb stand on dotted groundlines and wear sakkoi (cloth hair snoods) and belted chitons. On Vase 1, the woman at left holds a laurel branch and a mirror, in which a female head, presumably her reflection, is clearly visible: a highly unusual feature. A serving dish (patera) by her feet leans against the tomb. The woman at right carries a fan and a trio of fillets, which she will use to deck the tomb. Another fillet hangs at right, and there is a libation bowl (phiale) on the ground below. On Vase 2, the woman at left carries a laurel branch and two stacked phialai full of cakes. The woman at right holds a basket and a garland of flowers. Unbroken and in good condition. |
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