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LOT 0095
Greek Terracotta Black-Figure Oinochoe with Fighting Warriors
ATTIC, LATE 6TH CENTURY B.C.
9 1/8 in. (487 grams, 23.2 cm).
With flared foot, ovoid body, tapering neck and scooped trefoil mouth; tall gusseted strap handle to the rear; painted frieze of a phalanx of hoplites wearing crested helmets and bell-shaped armour with round aspis and eight-shaped (Boeotian) shields, knemidai greaves, long spears and scabbarded swords.
ProvenancePrivate Swiss collection, 1980s.
Acquired on the European art market, 1992; thence by descent.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Jacques Chamay.
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.13220-249241.
Cf. archaic black figure oinochoe with battle scene in Gerhard, E., Auserlesene Griechische Vasenbilder, Hauptsächlich Etruskischen Fundorts, Zeiter Theil, Heroenbilder, Berlin, 1843, pls.CXXII,CXXIII; archaic black-figure vase with Homeric warriors carrying a companion (Ajax carrying Achilles) in Gerhard, E., Auserlesene Griechische Vasenbilder, Hauptsächlich Etruskischen Fundorts, Zeiter Theil, Heroenbilder, meistens Homerisch, Berlin, 1847, pls.CCXII,CCXIII; an archaic black-figure oinochoe with marching hoplites, in Gerhard, E., Auserlesene Griechische Vasenbilder, Hauptsächlich Etruskischen Fundorts, Viertel Theil, Griechisches Alltagsleben, Berlin, 1858, pl.CCLVIII; for the Greek military equipment and episemata of the period see D’Amato, R., La Battaglia delle Termopili (the battle of the Termopili), Roma, 2013, pp.225ff.
FootnotesThe scene depicts a succession of warriors, marching to the left at a rapid pace. Closely packed, one behind the other, they are confined within the figurative field and extend well beyond the upper and lower edges. It is a scene taken from the Homeric poems. The style of the oinochoe is characterised by the abundant use of thick white and burgundy highlights, resulting in a striking polychrome effect. There is a tendency to extend the figures beyond the frame, due to the subject being too ambitious for the available surface. The chequerboard motif on the neck is a very rare decorative motif. The vase's importance is reinforced by its exceptional state of preservation.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0095
Greek Terracotta Black-Figure Oinochoe with Fighting Warriors
Estimate £25,000 - 35,000€29,000 - 40,600 (for guidance only)$33,750 - 47,250 (for guidance only)
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Greek Red-Figure Column Krater with Bull and Rider
Attic, 5th century B.C.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
With a flared and stepped foot, poppy-head border around the lower body and neck, strap handles with palmettes to the upper faces opening to two columnar legs; red-figure scenes to the neck and body: Side A, Europa's abduction: standing bearded figure in profile wearing a loose himation holding the lid of a krater in one hand facing a female figure in draped himation revealing one breast, turning to face the male while mounted on an advancing bull and carrying a frond; Side B, Dionysiac scene: satyr standing nude, playing a lyre beside a standing robed male wearing a laurel wreath in his hair, dancing female in active pose with musical instruments in each hand, turning to face the robed figure; some restoration. 5.85 kg, 44.5 cm high
Red-figure technique, with certain details highlighted in a wine-colored hue. The surface has taken on a light yellow hue throughout. Some cracks, and the varnish is chipped in some place.
German private collection (870632). Anonymous sale, Hampel Fine Arts auction, Munich, 21 September 2012, no.625. Private collection, acquired on the German art market. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Jacques Chamay. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13218-249222.
The two figurative scenes are of equal importance. The Dionysian one depicts the god, in the centre, between a satyr playing a lyre and a dancing maenad. The other scene depicts a well-known subject: the abduction of Europa. This is the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre in Phoenicia. Of great beauty, she is desired by Zeus. He approaches her in the form of a white bull while she is playing on the beach. Initially frightened, the young woman begins to caress the animal, then becomes more daring and climbs onto its back. Zeus immediately abducts her and rushes out to sea, toward Crete. There, he will be united with Europa, who will bear him three children, including Minos. -
Greek Gold Floral Mount
4th-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Repoussé mount of a twelve-petalled flower, two loops on the underside. 0.24 grams, 8.25 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Parthian Glazed Jug
2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With biconical bulbous body and pontil base, flared mouth with carinated rim, strap handle the shoulder. 780 grams, 17 cm
Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market before 1990. Acquired on the UK art market.
