Description
| ITEM | Amphora with painted letters |
| MATERIAL | Pottery |
| CULTURE | Greek, Apulian |
| PERIOD | 4th Century B.C |
| DIMENSIONS | 590 mm x 300 mm (without stand) |
| CONDITION | Good condition. Includes stand and Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratoire (Reference QED2420/BG-0503) |
| PROVENANCE | Ex Belgian private collection, D.D., acquired before 2000s |
Greek amphorae from the Apulian region represent some of the finest examples of South Italian pottery, reflecting the cultural fusion between Greek settlers and the indigenous Italic populations. During the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, Apulia, located in the southeastern part of the Italian peninsula, was a significant area of Greek colonization, and the region became renowned for its distinctive ceramic production. The Greek settlers in Apulia, particularly in cities like Taranto, influenced local pottery techniques, resulting in a vibrant tradition of painted amphorae that blended Greek styles with local elements. These amphorae were large, usually two-handled storage vessels used for transporting goods such as wine, oil, and grain. The shape of the amphora was practical for trade, yet it was also a canvas for artistic expression.
One of the key characteristics of Apulian amphorae is their rich and intricate decoration, which typically includes detailed figural scenes drawn from Greek mythology, daily life, and athletic competitions. The artwork on these vessels was often painted in a style known as the “Apulian Red-Figure,” a technique that allowed for more detailed, realistic depictions compared to earlier black-figure pottery. The Apulian style is particularly famous for its large, detailed scenes that often covered the entire surface of the amphora. These vessels typically depicted gods, heroes, and mythological creatures, with notable subjects including Dionysian themes, such as the god Dionysus in a procession or accompanied by satyrs and maenads. The intricate designs highlight the skill of local artisans and their adherence to classical Greek artistic conventions while simultaneously incorporating regional influences.
Apulian amphorae are significant not only for their artistry but also for the insights they offer into the cultural and economic exchanges between the Greek world and the indigenous Italic peoples. The prevalence of these vessels in both funerary and domestic contexts suggests their importance in daily life and religious practices. In tombs, for example, amphorae were often used as grave offerings, reflecting the cultural significance of wine, oil, and other goods in burial rituals.
