Greek Attic Red-Figure Lekythos Demeter Chariot TL'd
Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 470 to 460 BCE. A very special red-figured lekythos depicting a female goddess, most likely Demeter, dressed in flowing draperies and a headdress, holding a spear, and seated on a winged chariot that belongs to Triptolemos. It is quite unusual to see Demeter sitting in her protege’s winged car. Triptolemus (Triptolemos) was a demi-god of the Eleusinian mysteries who presided over the milling of wheat and the sowing of grain-seed. See more on his relationship with Demeter in the extended description below. Above is a register of Greek key and cross motifs, and two bands of frets adorn the shoulder of the vessel. Size: 9" H (22.9 cm)
Triptolemus was one of the Eleusinian princes who sensitively received the goddess Demeter when she was mourning the loss of her daughter Persephone. Once Persephone was returned from the underworld, Demeter taught Triptolemos about agriculture and gave him a winged, serpent-drawn chariot so that he could travel throughout the lands. Tragically, when he reached the home of the Scythians, King Lynkos (Lyncus) killed one of his dragon-serpents driving the hero away. Deventer then turned the king into a lynx and deprived the Scythians this coveted gift of agriculture.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#140442
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple pieces with areas of restoration. Red misfired areas may have intended to present other deities - perhpas Triptolemus, Persephone, Hekate, or other Eleusinian gods.
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Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 470 to 460 BCE. A very special red-figured lekythos depicting a female goddess, most likely Demeter, dressed in flowing draperies and a headdress, holding a spear, and seated on a winged chariot that belongs to Triptolemos. It is quite unusual to see Demeter sitting in her protege’s winged car. Triptolemus (Triptolemos) was a demi-god of the Eleusinian mysteries who presided over the milling of wheat and the sowing of grain-seed. See more on his relationship with Demeter in the extended description below. Above is a register of Greek key and cross motifs, and two bands of frets adorn the shoulder of the vessel. Size: 9" H (22.9 cm)
Triptolemus was one of the Eleusinian princes who sensitively received the goddess Demeter when she was mourning the loss of her daughter Persephone. Once Persephone was returned from the underworld, Demeter taught Triptolemos about agriculture and gave him a winged, serpent-drawn chariot so that he could travel throughout the lands. Tragically, when he reached the home of the Scythians, King Lynkos (Lyncus) killed one of his dragon-serpents driving the hero away. Deventer then turned the king into a lynx and deprived the Scythians this coveted gift of agriculture.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#140442
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple pieces with areas of restoration. Red misfired areas may have intended to present other deities - perhpas Triptolemus, Persephone, Hekate, or other Eleusinian gods.
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