Attic black figure amphora
Object No. A4378
Amphora with cover, Attic black figure, red earthenware, attributed to the painter of 'Group of Taranto 305', Athens, Greece, 530-510 BC
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Summary
Physical Description
Terracotta amphora with Attic black figure design on a red ground. The amphora has a pedestalled foot, bulbous body, rounded shoulders and slim neck with flaring rim. Two ribbed strap handles extend from the shoulders to the top of neck. On one side is a female figure holding her cloak around her head and shoulders like a veil, a traditional gesture of modesty, especially associated with a bride. To the left, a satyr approaches with one arm outstretched; another satyr approaches from the right. This scene possibly represents Ariadne about to be conducted to her marriage to Dionysus. On the other side of the amphora are two young naked horsemen, each carrying two spears. The subsidiary decoration includes a double lotus and palmette chain on the neck of the vase; an elaborate palmette cross under the handles; a band of alternately black and red tongues around the base of the neck; a band of rays around the base of the vase and an animal frieze below the figured area. The lid or cover of the amphora is circular and has a knob handle. It features four concentric circles and two rows of small hearts or leaves around the perimeter of the rim.
DIMENSIONS
Height
470 mm
Width
265 mm
Depth
270 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The amphora was made in Greece, c. 530-510 BC. The amphora is part of a large group of over 300 vessels (mostly amphorae) which are stylistically very closely related. More than 150 of these vessels have been divided into closely related groups, one called 'Group of Taranto 305' to which this amphora belongs, probably painted by one artist.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Sir Robert Webster and Sir Norman Rydge, 1952
Acquisition Date
18 January 1952
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