AN ATTIC RED-FIGURE LEKYTHOS, attributed to the Brygos Painter, circa 480-470 B.C.

Details

AN ATTIC RED-FIGURE LEKYTHOS, attributed to the Brygos Painter, circa 480-470 B.C.

With flying figure of Nike to left, her head looking back towards a tripod she carries in her left hand; she wears a sleeved chiton ornamented with small crosses and a himation with panelled border; she wears a drop earring and her hair is drawn under a sakkos tied loosely at the back; in her right hand she carries a hydria inscribed KAVE, which rests horizontally on her shoulder; in the field between the tips of her wings, indecipherable traces of letters ΛOΛ

Under the Nike a continuous band of meander; on the shoulder a floral scroll with palmettes, with band below decorated with meanders, crosses, chequerboard and dotted quatrefoils

Condition: repaired with restoration, particularly to the upper right arm, back of head and part of her costume

15¾in. (40cm.) high

Lot Essay

Nike (Victory) is shown carrying a symbol of victory, the tripod, which was often set up to commemorate a victory in battle. Athens had just emerged from a successful defeat of the Persians.

This lekythos was used for funereal purposes, being perforated from mouth to foot so that liquid offerings could be made to the deceased

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