an attic black-figure olpe

500-475 B.C.

Details

an attic black-figure olpe
500-475 B.C.
With central panel of decoration extending from lip to body, three horizontal ornamental bands of chequerboard, meander and row of linked double dots above the scene, showing Odysseus, or one of his companions, escaping from the cave of Polyphemus. To left, beardless male figure hangs beneath the belly of a sheep emerging from a cave, Hermes in front, leading them to the right, his head turned back towards them, two foliate tendrils in the field, added white detail, (minor chip to foot and rim, otherwise intact)
5 5/8in. (14.3cm.) high

Lot Essay

The theme of Odysseus's escape from the cave of Polyphemus becomes popular for scenes on later black-figure vases. This representation is most unusual for having a figure of Hermes included in the scene. For the scene cf. Boardman ABFH, p.231 no. 255 an oinochoe wich shows similar beardless male clinging to underside of ram with Polyphemos to the right. For the vase shape and identical decoration above scene, cf. CVA, Germany 55, Kiel 1, pl. 17/1

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