Campanian Basket Handle Amphora Attributed to the Libation Painter

Culture: Greek/Campanian

Period: 340-330 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 36.6 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2511

Provenance: German private collection R. K., Hessen, Germany, acquired prior to 1980.

Condition: A very minor wear on the stirrup, otherwise intact.

Description: Beautifully preserved basket handle amphora from Capua, which is attributed to the Libation Painter. One side depicts a Samnite warrior with helmet, shield and lance, who typically wears a trefoil-plate cuirass. The warrior faces to the left and stands with the weight on his right leg, the left one slightly bent backwards. Behind him a taenia, the adornment of glory for the winner. The other side depicts a woman in a chiton with a himation thrown over the left arm. She holds a dotted cista in her left hand up in the air. With the right hand she holds a filet over an altar. Between the images abundant palmette decoration. On the shoulder a black wavy band. On the neck a rare depiction of lotus blossoms between palmettes. On the rim sits the eponymous twisted stirrup or "basket handle". A perforation for suspension.