Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
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).
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).
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the Niobid Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 460–450 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
diameter 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1899
- Object Number: 99.13.2
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Niobid Painter
ca. 460–450 BCE
Niobid Painter
ca. 460–450 BCE
Niobid Painter
ca. 450 BCE
Niobid Painter
ca. 460–450 BCE
Princeton Group
ca. 540–530 BCE
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