Lot 97 email save

Roman, Apulia, a rare and Wonderful large "skyphos"

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Roman, Apulia, c. 370BC., a wonderful red figure "skyphos". A wine krater for the funerary revels. A large and very beautiful piece with 2 heavy loop handles at opposite sides near top. Side A depicting an adult androgynous Eros (the Greeks showed Eros as an adult and especially in Apulia as hermaphroditic - to allure and arouse both sexes (doesn't work for me), the Romans made a bambino of him). Eros is seated on a rock, hence an outdoor scene; a side-view patera is on the ground behind him (wine offering, part of the Dionysia); various flowers symbolize regeneration, renewal of life, theme of Dionysic funerary art. Eros holds a large phiale with something in it; indicated by the white dots above; we're not sure if it is supposed to be a big wine phiale or if it holds flowers or ???. Above Eros in front of his head, a very large vegetal wreath with a ribbon, a typical adjunct to these vases in this art. The dangling ivy leaf hanging from the ovolos border is a fun touch, ivy clings and just keeps growing and thus is a very powerful symbol of ongoing tenacious life. On side B is a standing maenad who is advancing right. She carries in her right hand an elaborate flower-decorated THYRSUS which is the phallic-staff of Dionysos. The Dionysia or Bachanalia as they are better known to most Americans, were sexual revels and the ancient idea that sexual procreation gave life energy; hence its value in funerals; life to the afterlife for the deceased. The maenad also carries in her left hand a large cista or basket, and a large tambourine dangles from its string. The contents of the cista are not fully understood; clothes for the deceased? So, a basket of something important, often seen on these vases, we're not sure what, so we fall back on funerary clothes for dressing the deceased? The other symbols include two patera, one at her feet and on in the air above left; a festoon ribbon; and important: upper right a square. This square represents a WINDOW, indicating this is outdoors. This is further indicated by the white dotted GROUND line beneath her feet, indicating that his scene is outdoors. H: 10.5, handle to handle is 14.75", D: 9.5". Choice with expert restoration and with stunning nice glossy patina. Old Florida Collection.

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