Red-figure Squat Lekythos (Storage Vessel) (Primary Title)

attributed to, Felton Painter, Greek, active in Apulia, ca. 395-ca. 365 BC (Artist)

second quarter of the 4th century BC
Greek, South Italian (Apulian)
Ceramics
Containers-Vessels
Glazed terracotta
Overall (diameter at body): 12 1/2 × 6 1/2 in. (31.75 × 16.51 cm)
91.24

Eros, who is the most beautiful of the deathless gods, loosens the limbs and overpowers reason and good counsel in the hearts of all gods and men. —Hesiod, Theogony

 

In this garden scene, Eros, the mischievous god of desire, flies toward a woman attended by a youth and young woman holding a parasol.

The elegant painting exemplifies the early ornate style of Apulian vases. Like many Apulian works, this vessel was potted on a larger scale than similar Attic vases, suggesting that it was made as a tomb or temple dedication rather than for daily use.

Gift of the Lipman Foundation
“Kunst der Antike, Schaetze aus Norddeutschen Privatbesitz,” Hamburg 1977.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.