Greek Attic Red-Figure Owl Skyphos - Glaux Type

**Originally Listed At $1000**

Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 475 to 450 BCE. A red-figure pottery skyphos (glaux type - also classified as Type B in the Beazley Archive) presenting a deep cup with a low flanged base, and most interestingly, one vertical and one horizontal handle. On each side, the vase painter depicted an owl standing between two sprays of olive leaves. This type of skyphos was extremely popular for several centuries, initially exported from Athens throughout the Magna Graecia. A special example created for drinking wine - perfect for any oenophile who appreciates Greek art and mythology. Size: 6" W handlespan x 3.125" H (15.2 cm x 7.9 cm)

The owl is a symbol of Athena, and was often shown accompanying her during the Classical period; Athena, of course, was the goddess of the city of Athens, and so the owl became a symbol of Athens and its government. The olive tree, as well, relates to Athens. Athena and Poseidon were said to have quarreled over the city of Athens and Athena planted an olive tree on the Acropolis to show that it belonged to her. Herodotus records that, although the Persians burned all of the Acropolis, the remains of the olive tree sprouted a new branch the very next day. The Athenian imagery present on this piece reminds us of the power of Greek cultural symbols in the ancient world.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private H.G. collection, Rhineland-Palatinate, acquired between 1970 and 1980

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#145918
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple pieces with minute areas of touch up painting near the break lines and a few nicks/scuffs as shown.