Huge / Published Gnathian Pottery Vessel - Nike, Maenad

Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Gnathia, ca. 300 to 270 BCE. A huge Gnathian amphora with a beautifully ribbed body, a gently curved neck presenting (on Side A) a red-figure scene featuring a Satyr striding left toward a petite Maenad with a winged Nike carrying an ivy victory wreath - all flanked by flourishing grapevines and on the opposite side (Side B) - additional grapevines (possibly laurel leaf vines), rising to a tiered rim adorned by a band of ovalo, twin substantive Herakles (Heracles or Hercules) knot handles with petite maskettes at each terminal of the upper ends. Size: 20.5" W handlespan x 19.125" H (52.1 cm x 48.6 cm)

According to the British Museum, "The marriage-knot or knot of Hercules, a strong knot created by two intertwined ropes, originated as a healing charm in ancient Egypt, but is best known for its use in ancient Greece and Rome as a protective amulet, most notably as a wedding symbol. The symbolism of the knot survived well beyond its religious use, and was a common symbol in medieval and Renaissance love tokens." In addition, according to Roman historian Pliny, the Herakles knot had the ability to cure wounds.

Published in Collection Le Vin (Vases a Melanger - Crateres) - La Reine Margot Paris, 2006 , p. 83 - for a special exhibition with a theme revolving around wine.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection; ex private East Coast, USA collection; ex-La Reine Margot, a third generation antiquities dealer in Paris, France; Published in Collection Le Vin (Vases a Melanger - Crateres) - La Reine Margot Paris, 2006 , p. 83 - for a special exhibition with a theme revolving around wine.

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#155865
Condition Report: One side of rim and upper body of vessel has been expertly repaired and restored, as has the foot. This includes some overpainting in the style of the original motifs and reattachment of handle. Light deposits on surface.