LOT 0089

Greek Archaic Laconian Black-Figure Kylix Fragment Group Attributed to the Rider Painter

550-540 B.C.

1 3/8 - 3 1/2 in. (67 grams total, 34-89 mm).

Comprising six fragments from a bowl once decorated with concentric circles around a central disc with expanding black rays, remains of palmette to the sides of the handle; the internal base with two facing warriors holding spears and a wreath, the older one depicted with a beard. [6]

Acquired in Europe before 1990.
Private collection, Europe.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11820-206481.

Cf. a similar kylix with identical external decorations in the British Museum, accession no.1854,0810.4, from Sicyonia, and BM 1842,0407.7 in Walters, H.B., Forsdyke, E.J., Smith, C.H., Vase / Catalogue of Vases in the British Museum, London, 1893-1925, B1 and B3; Nicol, W., A Catalogue of the Greek and Etruscan Vases in the British Museum, London, 1851-1879, no.686.

The Rider Painter was a Laconian vase painter active between 560 and 530 B.C. and is considered to be one of the five great vase painters of Sparta. He painted various forms predominantly kylikes but also lebetes, a form rare in this area. He mainly painted scenes from mythology, such as figures like Cadmos or Heracles, and tales such as the blinding of Polyphemus. In addition, he realised pictures from everyday life. The attribution of these fragments to his workmanship can be supported by the motifs painted on the exterior decoration of the vessel, and by the shape of the birds and figures. The illustrated scene is fitting within the warrior society of Spartan Laconia.