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Libation bowl (phiale mesomphalos) depicting men being entertained

Greek
Classical Period
about 430 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions Diameter: 24.8 cm (9 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number97.371
ClassificationsVessels

Catalogue Raisonné Caskey-Beazley, Attic Vase Paintings (MFA), no. 062.
Description"School of Music" The boss is surrounded by a series of eight figures, men being entertained by hetaerae and musicians. On the omphalos is a figure of Nike walking to left, carrying a basket and an oinochoe. Name-vase of the Boston Phiale Painter

[Label text]:
On this libation bowl, professional female entertainers amuse a group of men. On the raised omphalos ("navel") is a depiction of Nike, the personification of victory, holding a basket and a pitcher.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records; Bought in Athens & stated to have been found near Sunium.); 1897: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 25,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 97.285-97.442 and 97.1104)