column krater
- Museum number
- 1867,0508.860
- Description
-
Pottery Middle Corinthian column-krater, related to the Ophelandros Painter.
Designs black on drab ground, with incised lines and purple accessories. On the rim, zigzag lines; on the top of each handle, a cock to left. On the body, two bands of design:
1. (a) Hephaestos' return to Olympos: On the left two Seileni to right, the front one carrying an askos (small vessel) over his shoulder, and an oinochoe in right hand; next, Dionysos to right, bearded, in long white sleeved chiton, over which is a purple chiton heteromaschalos (one shouldered), and himation, in left hand a keras. In front of Hephaestos riding on a mule to right, looking back; he is bearded, with a purple chiton, and keras (drinking horn) in right hand. Next, a Seilenos in the archaic attitude to right, looking to left, with spear (?) in left hand; above his head, keras; he is preceded by two Seileni conversing, in short purple chitons, the first holding a keras. All have long hair and fillets ; the faces are painted purple with the exception of Hephaestos, and the last figure on the right.
(b) Combat of two warriors, armed with helmet, shield, and spear: The one on the right has been beaten down on one knee to right, and wounded in the left thigh; purple drops of blood are visible; he looks back at his opponent. On the right is a charioteer in a quadriga to right, with long hair, fillet, and long purple chiton; at his back is slung a shield, and he holds the reins and a goad. On the reins is perched an owl to left, with face to the front ; above a lizard to left; in front a swan to left. Under each handle is a Siren to left, with wings back-to-back, long hair, and fillet.
2. Frieze of animals: Cretan goat to right between panthers; goat and panther confronted; and a large bird to left, apparently an owl.
- Production date
- 600BC-575BC (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 33 centimetres
-
Weight: 3.50 kilograms
-
Width: 40.40 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- BM Cat. Vases
For a similar representation of the scene cf. the Francois vase (Mon. dell’ Inst. iv. 55). For representations of owls and Sirens, cf. BM B601, 24 and Berlin No. 1655.
- Location
- On display (G13/dc10)
- Acquisition date
- 1867
- Department
- Greek and Roman
- Registration number
- 1867,0508.860
