Collection: | Munich, Antikensammlungen |
Summary: | Side A: Three nude women bathing themselves at a basin |
Ware: | Attic Red Figure |
Painter: | Attributed to the School of Polygnotos |
Attributed By: | J.D. Beazley |
Date: | ca. 440 BC |
Dimensions: | H. 42 cm., D. of outer rim 25 cm. |
Primary Citation: | |
Shape: | Stamnos |
Beazley Number: | 213649 |
Period: | High Archaic |
Decoration Description:
The profiled foot is glazed black on its upper part, while its lower wall is clay-colored. It is set off from the body of the vessel by an incised line that circles it. The handles are round and point upward. At the handle attachments are half-circle bands of eggs. Above the handles are large palmette ornaments, and on the shoulder at the body-neck join is a band of tongues. On the rim is a bordered band of eggs. Both scenes are bordered below by a crossed square and key meander.
On side A, three naked women are standing at a large louter or washbasin, which itself stands on a low foot whose stem attaches to the round basin with a volute-shaped connecting piece. Along the top of the upper basin rim, the words
On side B, two women bring a mirror and a salt vessel to their mistress. The mistress, standing upright, is wearing a long chiton, mantle, headband, and earring. The woman carrying the mirror wears a longsleeved chiton, mantle, and cap, while the third woman has a mantle and earring. The pupil of the mistress's eye is not depicted, as are the pupils of the other two. The surface of this figure is covered with dark flecks. On both sides, relief outlines are used.
The scene on side B is generally understood to be sepulchral in nature, with the lonely stance and empty gaze of the mistress representing one who has died, and the two women representing gift bearers.
Inscriptions:
On side A, the washbasin bears the inscription
Graffiti:
There is a graffito on the underside of the foot.
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography:
See CVA entry for extensive bibliography.