A Large Apulian Red-Figure Oinochoe, Magna Graecia, ca. 4th century BCE

A wheel-thrown pottery oinochoe (chous) with discoid foot, piriform body, gently tapering neck, trefoil mouth, and applied strap handle. The vessel is covered in a lustrous black glaze and decorated in the red-figure technique. The principal panel depicts a seated female figure, likely Aphrodite, holding a dove, her customary attribute. She is shown seated upon a stool and clad in a finely rendered chiton, her hair arranged in curls gathered into a bun. Before her stands a nude youth draped with a himation over his arms, while a second draped attendant stands behind. The scene is framed by ornamental borders including a meander band below and stylized foliate motifs above.

The composition reflects the popularity of Aphrodite imagery in South Italian vase painting during the fourth century BCE, where scenes of courtship, beauty, and divine love frequently adorned vessels intended for use in the symposium and domestic sphere.

Medium: Clay

Dimensions: Height: 8 5/8 inches (22 cm)

Condition: Complete and repaired from approximately seven large pieces on the left side of the vessel, with two small areas of refill. Cosmetic overpainting along new material and break lines where necessary. Good luster on black-glazed surfaces. 

Provenance: Private New York City, USA collection, acquired from the NYC trade.