An Attic Black Figure Eye Lekythos, Classical Period, ca. 6th century BCE
GP2613
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An Attic black-figure lekythos with a flaring, cup-shaped mouth, narrow neck, sloping shoulder, cylindrical body tapering toward a circular foot, and a single vertical strap handle. The body is decorated with a dancing maenad moving to the right with her head turned back, her hair bound with a fillet, wearing a long dress with a himation draped over her arms. The figure is flanked by two large apotropaic eyes, each with a circular pupil outlined by concentric lines, with a dotted vine tendril in the field and stylized vine leaves on the shoulder.
The combination of the dancing maenad and large apotropaic eyes reflects the Dionysian imagery popular in Attic vase painting during the late sixth century BCE. Maenads, the female followers of Dionysus, were frequently depicted dancing in ecstatic celebration, while the large eyes were traditionally believed to ward off evil influences.
Medium: Ceramic
Dimensions: Height: 5 1/2 inches (14 cm), Width: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
Condition: Reassembled. The neck has been reattached with some associated inpainting, and a hole in the wall of the body has been professionally infilled and repainted for aesthetic reintegration. Surface wear and areas of glaze loss consistent with age.
Provenance: J.K. private collection, Sarasota, acquired from the NY trade.
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