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Here, we see two male figures who turn towards the center, facing each other. Although the man on the left is draped and the man on the right is nude, they are visually aligned by their scale, pose, and position. The two figures are the same height. Both stand in a contrapposto; the draped figure puts his weight on his left leg and the nude on his right. The figures therefore mirror each other in pose and create a visual chiasmus. Both men stand about stand on either side of a short reserved rectangle, which represents an altar. The altar is aligned vertically with the central curve of the trefoil lip, marking the center of the scene. Because the men face inwards, towards the altar, they function as bookends to the scene and create a balanced, closed composition. The symmetry is disrupted only by the tall rectangle (or altar) at the left, which is visible only when the vase is rotated. There is no corresponding altar on the right.
Inscribedold label on base: CG 2; remnants of blue and white label on side of vessel
Oinochoë
Artist
Attributed to the Hoppin Painter
(Greek, Apulian, active ca. 380-ca. 360 BCE)
Date375 BC -350 BC
DimensionsOverall: 6 5/16 in. (16 cm)
circumference: 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm)
circumference: 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm)
Classification(s)
- ANCIENT
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John W. Field, in memory of her husband
Terms
- standing figure
- female nude
- cup
- pipe
Object numberCG.2
DescriptionA black gloss covers the body of this trefoil oinochoe. A band of tongues wraps around three quarters of the shoulder, spanning the width of the figural scene below. A narrow band, marking the ground line, encircles the lower belly. On the left, a rectangular pillar marks the border of the figural scene that decorates the pot's belly. Here, we see two male figures who turn towards the center, facing each other. Although the man on the left is draped and the man on the right is nude, they are visually aligned by their scale, pose, and position. The two figures are the same height. Both stand in a contrapposto; the draped figure puts his weight on his left leg and the nude on his right. The figures therefore mirror each other in pose and create a visual chiasmus. Both men stand about stand on either side of a short reserved rectangle, which represents an altar. The altar is aligned vertically with the central curve of the trefoil lip, marking the center of the scene. Because the men face inwards, towards the altar, they function as bookends to the scene and create a balanced, closed composition. The symmetry is disrupted only by the tall rectangle (or altar) at the left, which is visible only when the vase is rotated. There is no corresponding altar on the right.
Collections
On View
Not on viewExhibitions
Egyptian, anonymous
Late Period (c. 664 BC - 525 BC), Dynasty 26
Egyptian, anonymous
Late Period (c. 664 BC - 525 BC), Dynasty 26