Bell Krater of the Gnathia Ware with a Bull

Culture: Greek/Apulia

Period: 350-300 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 28 cm x 31.5 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 2352

Provenance: From an old French private collection. Accompanied by a French antiquities passport.

Condition: A small chip on the rim and a break on the foot professionally reattached. Otherwise intact.

Description: Bell krater of the Gnathia ware with white, yellow and red paint. A bull is painted in masterly manner on the front. The vigorous animal stands with lowered head and bent fore paw on a white baseline. The long tail is dynamically raised, the gaze of one eye directed to the viewer. The bull's image is framed on both sides by floral plants. The bull plays a central role in the Greek mythology, for example the Cretan bull defeated by Heracles, father of the Minotaurs. Or Zeus who transformed into a bull to stay unrecognized for his love for the Phoenician king’s daughter. On the reverse bands of grapes, tendrils and leaves. The krater stands on a profiled ring foot.