Red-Figure Fish Plate: Octopi, Mullet, Bream, Shellfish

c. 340–330 BCE

attributed to Asteas/Python Workshop

(South Italian, Paestan, active c. 360–320 BCE)

Culture

South Italian, Paestan

Medium

ceramic

Measurements

Diameter: 38.3 cm (15 1/16 in.); Overall: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.); Diameter of foot: 16 cm (6 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1985.50

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Location

102D Pre-Roman

Did You Know?

Perfect for serving seafood, this plate features images of sea creatures and a central well for dipping or collecting juices.

Description

Although first developed in Athens, red-figure fish plates became especially popular in South Italy and Sicily in the 300s BC. All feature a short foot and a small central depression, but those produced in the workshop of Asteas and Python, like this one, are the largest and most ornate. Archaeologists have closely studied the fish and other sea creatures represented, identifying many of them with species still found (and eaten) in the Mediterranean; included here are octopi, mullet, bream, and various shellfish.