Gilt silver phiale mesomphalos

Greek

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 153

Very little Classical Greek silver plate survives today. The golden figural decoration on these examples calls to mind Athenian red-figure vases and scholars debate whether precious vessels like these were the inspiration for the painted vases. However, since most gold-figured silver vessels have been found in Macedonian and Thracian tombs on the northern fringes of the Hellenized world and are dated to the second half of fifth century B.C., much later than the advent of the red-figure style, it has also been suggested that the influence may go the other way.

On this beautifully preserved libation vessel, four youths hunt deer on horseback with spears. The artist makes clever use of the circular shape to show the hunters encircling their quarry.

Gilt silver phiale mesomphalos, Silver-gilt, Greek

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Gilt silver phiale mesomphalos, Silver-gilt, Greek
Gilt silver phiale mesomphalos, Silver-gilt, Greek
Gilt silver phiale mesomphalos, Silver-gilt, Greek

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