Stunning Greek Apulian Amphora w/ TL Report

Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 350 to 300 BCE. A very large Apulian amphora, its generous surface area extensively painted via the red-figure technique with added fugitive yellow/white pigment - featuring Dionysian (Bacchic) scenes, quite apropos as this vessel may have stored wine. Side A presents a feminine maenad, draped in a flowing garment and bedecked with armlets, a beaded necklace, and drop earring as well as a saccos over her upswept coiffure. She sits upon a rocky outcrop, her body in composite profile, holding a casket in her outstretched left hand (presenting it to young Dionysos) and a flower in a vessel in her raised right hand. Standing before her is a nude male, likely young Dionysos, his cloak draped over his right arm, and holding a staff in his right hand. Side B features a pair of opposing draped figures, one leaning upon a walking stick. Size: 7.375" in diameter x 17.375" H (18.7 cm x 44.1 cm)

In addition to this figural iconography, the decorative program is quite impressive, featuring elaborate composite palmettes beneath each handle, stylized palmettes adorning the underside of the rim, and a register of Greek key motifs with four dotted checkerboard motifs below the figural scenes and palmettes.

Perhaps the most exciting innovation in Greek vase painting was the red-figure technique, invented in Athens around 525 BCE and beloved by other artists of Magna Graecia. The red-figure technique allowed for much greater flexibility as opposed to the black-figure technique, for now the artist could use a soft, pliable brush rather than a rigid metal graver to delineate interior details, play with the thickness of the lines, as well as build up or dilute glazes to create chromatic effects. The painter would create figures by outlining them in the natural red of the vase, and then enrich these figural forms with black lines to suggest volume, at times perspectival depth, and movement, bringing those silhouettes and their environs to life. Beyond this, fugitive pigments made it possible for the artist to create additional layers of interest and detail as we see in this example.

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 J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; ex-Ancient Art: The Gallery, London

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#149626
Condition Report: Tiny TL holes under rim and foot. Slight surface wear with minor scuffs and areas of pigment loss. Otherwise intact and superb. Black glaze has developed a marvelous silvery iridescence in areas.