Auction 002 Ancient Art & Antiquities
By Apollo Art Auctions
Mar 14, 2024
63-64 Margaret St. London, W1W 8SW

LOT 6:

ATTIC/BOEOTIAN EYE CUP KYLIX

catalog
  Previous item
Next item 
Sold for: £2,000
Start price:
£ 2,000
Estimated price :
£6,000 - £9,000
Buyer's Premium: 25% More details
VAT: 20% On commission only
Users from foreign countries may be exempted from tax payments, according to the relevant tax regulations
Auction took place on Mar 14, 2024 at Apollo Art Auctions
tags:

ATTIC/BOEOTIAN EYE CUP KYLIX
Ca. 550 BC.A beautiful black-figure pottery kylix with a wide cup, narrow stem, and upraised opposing handles, all sat upon a short pedestal disc foot. The central tondo is adorned with the painted and incised image of a dancing satyr; a male nature spirit with a human form, but the ears and tails of a horse. External decoration consists of a lively procession of satyrs, heads turned to the left, surrounded by ivy tendrils, and highlighted with incised striations. Two large black eye motifs, complete with expressive eyebrows, are painted on one side. Satyrs were associated with lascivious and inebriated behavior, and are well known for their love of wine, music, dancing, and women. As such, they are frequently pictured as members of Dionysus' retinue, often taking part in Bacchic rites with maenads, female followers of the Dionysiac cult. As such, they form the perfect decoration for a drinking vessel. Greek vase-painters often included eye designs on their drinking cups, for apotropaic purposes or perhaps for the more playful reasons, as through raising the cup to one's lips, it would transform into a mask for the drinker. Size: 280mm x 90mm; Weight: 480g Provenance: Property of a London gallery, acquired on the US art market; formerly in a collection of John R. Orr, Toledo, Ohio, acquired Christie’s, South Kensington, Oct. 30th, 1989, lot 112, pictured on the front cover, to family by inheritance, with copy of Acanthus, NYC. 1989 appraisal list where it is listed as Boeotian.

catalog
  Previous item
Next item