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Two-handled jar (amphora) with Zeus and Hermes
Painter: the Affecter
Greek
Archaic Period
about 550–540 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions
46.8 cm (18 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.517
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
CVA Boston 1, pl. 22-23.
DescriptionBoth sides feature a seated Zeus with Hermes before him, among other figures; they gesture in an "affected" style. The little fawn that stands by Hermes strikes a different pose on either side.
On one side all five large figures are bearded. Groups of small figures appear under the handles.
"The Affecter decorates ovoid neck amphorae of rather old fashioned appearance, some belly amphorae including the new Type C with a rolled lip, and smaller vases. His figures have tiny heads, well upholstered bodies when dressed, but angular and spiky when undressed: they are easily recognized. His pattern work is careful and as odd in its proportions as his figures, with well sprung little palmettes at the end of long thin tendrils, skinny but well formed lotuses and a rash of tiny red and white dots all over clothing. The Affecter is a stylist as no other, and the content of his figure scenes concerns him little. Passive clockwork elders stand and gesticulate pointlessly while men accost youths or a Hermes flutters before a seated Zeus." (Boardman, p.65, Athenian Black Figure Vases: a handbook)
Condition: somewhat restored. Graffito on foot.
On one side all five large figures are bearded. Groups of small figures appear under the handles.
"The Affecter decorates ovoid neck amphorae of rather old fashioned appearance, some belly amphorae including the new Type C with a rolled lip, and smaller vases. His figures have tiny heads, well upholstered bodies when dressed, but angular and spiky when undressed: they are easily recognized. His pattern work is careful and as odd in its proportions as his figures, with well sprung little palmettes at the end of long thin tendrils, skinny but well formed lotuses and a rash of tiny red and white dots all over clothing. The Affecter is a stylist as no other, and the content of his figure scenes concerns him little. Passive clockwork elders stand and gesticulate pointlessly while men accost youths or a Hermes flutters before a seated Zeus." (Boardman, p.65, Athenian Black Figure Vases: a handbook)
Condition: somewhat restored. Graffito on foot.
ProvenanceBy 1899: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records he thought the vase was probably from Vulci and he noted that: the vendor had it from the Roman dealer Lucchetti, and it came originally in all probability from the collection of the Prince of Canino); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, 1899, for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)