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sold - june 2006 browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Ancient World: Greek: Pre AD 1000: item # 545149 Please refer to our stock # sold - jun when inquiring.
Helios Gallery Rockery Bath, SN138BG +44 (0)1225 744751 Guest Book sold - june 2006 UK Pounds - £750 |
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| An Attic Black Figure squat stemmed cup with a pedestal foot, two raised handles and a band of painted decoration to either side of the body. The decorated body is divided into two panels, each framed by a pair of palmettes. Both panels are decorated with figures of phantoms or ghosts, one side depicts two figures, the other three. The phantoms are shown with outstretched arms and elongated feet, they wear loose-fitting linen shrouds which were conventionally given to the deceased during funerary rites. The figures are painted at irregular heights to signify that they are floating or flying. Depictions of ghosts and spirits of ancestors are very rare on Attic pottery. The Archaic Greeks believed that the soul of the deceased was trapped in between Hades and the world of the living until the correct funerary rites ("Prothesis") had been performed over three days of mourning. If these rites were not carried out, the soul could appear as a ghost and wreak revenge or cause bad things to happen to the living. The playwright Euripides explores this theme in several of his works, particularly in Supplices. The funeral games of Patrokles conducted by Achilles in the Iliad are perhaps the most famous illustration of the important role of these rites to the Greeks. Mythology also recounts several incidents of ghosts of the deceased being allowed to return briefly from Hades to foretell an event or demand retribution. Ghosts were generally regarded as malignant or at least dangerous, they were seen as unhappy souls and in a place of limbo, and required the immediate attention of the living in whatever demands they made. The decoration of this piece strongly suggests that it was made purely for funerary purposes though it may also have been commissioned by someone wishing to appease spirits with an offering of wine. Greek, Athens, late 6th Century BC. Repaired from several large fragments with some minor infill around the rim. The decoration is untouched. Size: 7 x 19.4 cms Ex. private collection, UK. | ||
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