Greek Attic Pottery Lekythos - Ariadne & Dionysos

Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. late 6th to early 5th century BCE. An Attic lekythos painted with a Dionysian theme via the black-figure technique. The vessel body presents a nude Dionysos and Ariadne (with traces of a grapevine around her neck and falling over her chest) lying beneath covers on a bed, flanked by two nude Satyrs with wild beards and long tails, who gaze upon the couple - the one beside Dionysos actually turning his head around to see them. The field is embellished with flowing grapevines lined with clusters of fruit and dots lining each side of the vines to reflect the Dionysian theme. Two rows of frets adorn the shoulder and striated bands underscore the figural program. A wonderful example, replete with the utmost artistry and technique, finely incised to delineate facial features, anatomical forms, and drapery folds. Size: 3.125" in diameter x 7.625" H (7.9 cm x 19.4 cm)

According to Greek mythology, Dionysus took Ariadne to Olympia and married her, presenting her a crown which would later become a star in the sky. After marrying Dionysos, Ariadne became the mother of Oenopion, the personification of wine, Staphylus, who was associated with grapes, as well as Thoas, Peparethus, Phanus, Eurymedon, Phliasus, Enyeus, Ceramus, Maron, Euanthes, Latramys, and Tauropolis.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158869
Condition Report: Minute nicks to the rim, corseted edge of shoulder, and periphery of handle. Expected surface wear with scuffs and losses to pigmentation as shown. Areas of deposits as shown.