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Greek, Attica
Attributed to The Painter of Naples 3136
Oinochoe (Pitcher), c. 440 B.C.
Terracotta, red-figure technique
Height to handle: 19.3 cm (7 5/8 in.); Height to mouth: 18.4 cm (7 1/4 in.); Diameter of mouth: 9 cm (3 1/2 in.); Diameter of body at 10 cm from foot: 13.7 cm (5 3/8 in.); Diameter of foot: 9.1 cm (3 5/8 in.)
Gift of Martin A. Ryerson through The Antiquarian Society, 1907.12
Below the pouring spout of this shiny black vessel is a youthful musician holding a seven-stringed lyre, its sound box rendered to look like tortoiseshell. The plectrum, or pick, is tied to the lowermost of the instrument’s two upright bars. A himation, or mantle, falls from his left shoulder. Unusually, he wears leggings. The wreath encircling his head is a common accessory of symposium attendees. Perhaps he has or will perform for the gathering of men.
Exhibition, Publication and Ownership Histories
Exhibition History
The Art Institute of Chicago, Ancient Art Galleries, Gallery 155, 1994 - February 2012.
