Lot Essay
The scene on this fine vase shows an Athenian priestess preparing for a religious sacrifice. She carries a kanoûn, a basket containing the sacrificial knife, fillets to adorn the animal, and barley cakes, elements that are to be used in the ritual. The oinochoe in her left hand may contain wine for libations. The altar before which the beast is to be slain is shown and already lit. The theme of the amphora continues onto the reverse, where another female holds out a phiale, a shallow bowl for wine, often used to pour libations. The priestess and her female companion are captured in a moment of tranquillity before the frenzy of the ritual begins. The style of the scene recalls that of the Painter of London E342, a specialist of Nolan amphorae, but the figures are more confident and the heads more lively than is usual with his work.