Neck-Amphora with Dionysus

Dublin Core

Title

Neck-Amphora with Dionysus

Subject

TERRACOTTA

Description

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 shape is known as "Nolan" from the town of Nola in Italy where many of these vases have been found. The use of a single red figure to decorate the each side of the vase is typical of this shape. 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.

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.
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.
Side B:
One of the Harrow Painter's 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.

Creator

Aegean
Greek
Classical

Source

Purchased from Sotheby and Co, London, 1963.

Date

c. 480 BC

Identifier

63.001

Coverage

Greece
Attica

Files

63.001.jpg

Citation

Aegean, Greek, and Classical, “Neck-Amphora with Dionysus,” RD Milns Antiquities Museum Online Exhibitions, accessed March 29, 2024, https://uqantiquitiesonlineexhibitions.omeka.net/items/show/157.