| Method | Copper engraving with hand colouring |
| Artist | Giovanni Battista Passeri |
| Published | Romae, MDCCLXX. Ex Typographio Johannis Zempel. [1770] |
| Dimensions | Image 286 x 157 mm, Plate 302 x 165 mm, Sheet 392 x 243 mm |
| Notes |
A depiction of a red-figure vase, with two panels below featuring details of its decoration, Plate 130 from Volume 2 of Passeri's Picturae Etruscorum in Vasculis Nunc Primum in Unum Collectae. The vase is a small calyx krater. Kraters were used to mix water and wine, and were a essential part of the Greek symposium. The calyx krater is so named because of its resemblance in shape to the calyx of a flower. Supposedly invented by the master potter Exekias, its shape suggests that it was used in conjunction with another type of vase called a psykter, which was used to chill wine. Passeri describes its decoration as scenes related to the Anthesteria, a Greek festival held in honour of Dionysus, with a particular focus on the cult of the dead. The Anthesteria was one of the oldest Greek festivals, and probably celebrated the first growth of the grape vines after the winter. Passeri identifies the central figures in the top scene as Bacchus and his great priestess, though as the standing nude male seems to have a tail, the pair are likely to be a satyr and a maenad. The figures on the back of the vase closely resemble athletic judges or trainers. Condition: Minor time toning to edges of sheet. Several tears to edges of sheet, not effecting printed area. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £80.00 |
| Stock ID | 39890 |