Rare Etruscan Applied Red-Figure Bell Krater

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 13, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-02-13 10:00:00 2020-02-13 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-4848
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Northern Italy, Etruria, late 5th to early 4th century BCE. An incredibly rare and outstanding Etruscan bell krater decorated with an unusual applied red figure technique in which red slip was applied to the black vessel and then details of the figures' physiognomy and attributes were meticulously incised. The vase depicts three nude athletes engaged in conversation on one side, and two draped youths, one of whom is bearded, engaged in conversation on the reverse. A laurel leaf garland adorns the vessel below the rim, and a stylized meander of Greek key motifs underscores the figural scenes on both sides of the vase. A fabulous example, replete with the utmost artistry, intriguing iconography, as well as an unusual applied red-figure technique. Size: 16" W handlespan x 14.125" H (40.6 cm x 35.9 cm)
  
  The traditional red-figure technique allowed for much greater flexibility as opposed to the black-figure technique, for the artist could use a soft, pliable brush rather than a rigid metal graver to delineate interior details, play with the thickness of the lines, as well as build up or dilute glazes to create chromatic effects. The painter would create figures by outlining them in the natural red of the vase, and then enrich these figural forms with black lines to suggest volume, at times perspectival depth, and movement, bringing those silhouettes and their environs to life. However, this vessel was decorated in a different manner. Instead of the traditional red-figure technique described above, red slip was actually applied to the black vessel and then details of the figures' physiognomy and attributes were meticulously incised.
  
  For a similar krater see: J. Beazley, Etruscan Vase Painting, 1947, pl. VIII, 3-4. Late 5th to early 4th Century BCE.
  
  Provenance: private New York, USA collection, acquired on the Paris, France art market in 2008; ex French collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #152686

  Condition

  Repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the break lines. Expected surface wear with minor scuffs to pigmentation, however the figural and decorative programs are still strong. Royal Athena label on underside of base.
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