Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Attributed to the Niobid Painter
Obverse, Dionysos and maenads at altar;
Reverse, libation scene: king and women
The Niobid Painter takes advantage of the large shape to depict solemn, imposing offering scenes. On the obverse, Dionysos, god of wine, stands at an altar with a kantharos (drinking cup with high handles) as the maenad opposite him holds an oinochoe (jug); interestingly, the vase is glazed black to be more visible. On the reverse, a man whose status is indicated by his scepter and fillet holds a phiale (libation bowl) that is being filled by a woman pouring from an oinochoe (jug).
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.