Red-Figure Amphora; c. 480 BC; Attica; 63.001
Name/Title
Red-Figure Amphora
Red-Figure Amphora
About this object
This small red-figure neck-amphora has a two tiered lip, the upper tier having a cyma recta shape while the lower section has a rounded profile. The neck meets the shoulder of the vase at an angle which is emphasised by a ridge. The rounded body of the vase tapers gently to a foot which has two steps; the bottom step has a torus or slightly convex shape. The strap handles have a central ridge; they pass up the side of the neck and curve around and down to the shoulder of the vase.
The use of a single red figure to decorate the each side of the vase is typical of this shape, known as 'Nolan' after the town Nola in Italy where many of these vase types have been found. On this example Dionysus seemingly offers a kantharos to the draped youth on the reverse side of the vase. The colours are red and black. Part of the lower area of the body and the top of the foot have fired red rather than black. The vase has been reconstructed from many pieces and is chipped around the rim.
1. The outside of the vase is shiny black except for the two red figures, each placed on a red ground line, and the reserved areas: the top of the lip and the outside of the bottom step of the foot. The pot has fired red on part of the lower area of the body and on the top of the foot. Black extends down to about 4 cm below the lip on the inside of the mouth of the vase.
2. Side A: the figure of Dionysus is shown in profile, looking right, holding a kantharos in his right hand. A bare forked stick can be seen, apparently being held in his left hand although this is not visible. He wears a garland on his head and has a pointed beard and long hair with three ringlets. He is dressed in a chiton and himation. The sketchy internal details of drapery and anatomy are added in both dilute glaze and relief lines.
3. Side B: one of the Harrow Painter stock figures, a draped youth shown in profile facing right. His hands are covered by his cloak forming two distinct bulges just below his chin and at waist level. Some smudges of purple are evident.
This small red-figure neck-amphora has a two tiered lip, the upper tier having a cyma recta shape while the lower section has a rounded profile. The neck meets the shoulder of the vase at an angle which is emphasised by a ridge. The rounded body of the vase tapers gently to a foot which has two steps; the bottom step has a torus or slightly convex shape. The strap handles have a central ridge; they pass up the side of the neck and curve around and down to the shoulder of the vase.
The use of a single red figure to decorate the each side of the vase is typical of this shape, known as 'Nolan' after the town Nola in Italy where many of these vase types have been found. On this example Dionysus seemingly offers a kantharos to the draped youth on the reverse side of the vase. The colours are red and black. Part of the lower area of the body and the top of the foot have fired red rather than black. The vase has been reconstructed from many pieces and is chipped around the rim.
1. The outside of the vase is shiny black except for the two red figures, each placed on a red ground line, and the reserved areas: the top of the lip and the outside of the bottom step of the foot. The pot has fired red on part of the lower area of the body and on the top of the foot. Black extends down to about 4 cm below the lip on the inside of the mouth of the vase.
2. Side A: the figure of Dionysus is shown in profile, looking right, holding a kantharos in his right hand. A bare forked stick can be seen, apparently being held in his left hand although this is not visible. He wears a garland on his head and has a pointed beard and long hair with three ringlets. He is dressed in a chiton and himation. The sketchy internal details of drapery and anatomy are added in both dilute glaze and relief lines.
3. Side B: one of the Harrow Painter stock figures, a draped youth shown in profile facing right. His hands are covered by his cloak forming two distinct bulges just below his chin and at waist level. Some smudges of purple are evident.
Date Made
c. 480 BC
c. 480 BC
Subject and Association Keywords
Dionysus
Dionysus
Subject and Association Description
Dionysus
Dionysus
Medium and Materials
Clay
Clay
Style and Iconography
Red-Figure
Red-Figure
Technique
Wheel made
Wheel made
Measurements
Height = 321mm
Diameter = 193mm
Width = n/a
Height = 321mm
Diameter = 193mm
Width = n/a
Collection
ex Darnell collection
ex Darnell collection
Object number
63.001
63.001
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