An Apulian Large Red-Figure Oinochoe attributed to the Truro Painter, Magna Graecia, ca. 4th century BCE

A wheel-thrown pottery oinochoe (also known as a chous) with a discoid foot, a piriform body, a gently corseted neck, a trefoil pouring spout, and an applied strap handle, all enveloped in lustrous black glaze and decorated via the red-figure technique. Presented on the body is a scene comprising three figures, the central of which is perhaps Aphrodite (Roman Venus), the goddess of love and passion, who sits upon a stool, holding a dove and wearing a long, transparent chiton, her curly hair pulled into a rear bun. She is flanked by two standing youthful male figures, one nude, having only a himation draped over his arms. The other figure is draped in a floor-length himation.

The Truro painter was named by Trendall after a pelike in Truro. He was a 'Plain' style painter influenced by the Snub-Nose Painter (q.v.) and the Varrese Painter (q.v.).   He favored smaller vessels and often embellished them with scenes of women and children (as can be seen in this example), and occasionally a mythological subject. 

Medium: Clay

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

Condition: Repaired from approximately seven large pieces on the left side of the vessel with two small areas of refill. Resurfacing and 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.