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The Triptolemos Painter

Also known as: The Triptolemos Painter; primary name: Triptolemos Painter
Details: painter/draughtsman; Greek
Other dates: 495BC-470BC (fl.)
Biography: Athenian red-figure vase-painter whose name is unknown. Nevertheless consistent individual characteristics of style suggest the existence of a unique artistic personality. Beazley called him the Triptolemos Painter after the subject of one of his vases. A large number of vases have been attributed to his hand on the basis of style. Two were (puzzlingly) signed by Douris (q.v.) as painter, though the style reveals they are by the Triptolemos Painter. The reason for these signatures (ancient forgery, admiring tribute or joke) is uncertain. The Triptolemos Painter began painting in the workshop of Euphronios (q.v.) and his style was close at times to that of Onesimos (q.v.), Douris and the Brygos Painter (q.v.). His early work is on cups, but later he decorated a wide range of shapes.
Bibliography: Beazley ARV² 360-367; Boardman ARFH 139-140.