Artwork Page for White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Youths at Tomb

Details / Information for White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Youths at Tomb

White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Youths at Tomb

c. 420–400 BCE

attributed to Group R

(Greek, Attic, active c. 420–410 BCE)
Culture
Greek, Attic
Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Overall: 49.5 cm (19 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1928.859
Public Domain
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Location
102B Greek
Print
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Did You Know?

White-ground vases give some idea of the appearance of ancient wall painting.

Description

This white-ground lekythos, a large funerary oil vessel, shows three youths at a tomb. The one seated in the center likely represents the deceased, while those standing on either side are mourners. Although much of the pigment is now lost, the strong use of line and three-quarter views have been cited by some scholars as possibly reflecting the lost works of the famous wall-painter Parrhasios.
A white-ground ceramic vessel features a tall cylindrical body, narrow black neck, and flared lip. Fine red lines illustrate two figures flanking a rounded tomb monument. To the left, one figure stands; to the right, another sits against the monument, raising an arm. Black glaze, now worn and cracked, finishes the base and circular foot. Weathered surfaces and thin cracks appear throughout the vessel.

White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Youths at Tomb

c. 420–400 BCE

Group R

(Greek, Attic, active c. 420–410 BCE)
Greek, Attic

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