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Oil flask (lekythos) in the form of Aphrodite at her birth

Greek
Late Classical Period
about 380–370 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Figural
Dimensions Overall: 20.8 x 9.5 x 7 cm (8 3/16 x 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number96.722
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsVessels

DescriptionAphrodite rising from the sea. The head, arms, and torso are shown emerging from a shell; below are waves with a swan attached. Aphrodite wears an elaborated diadem and gilded chain across her bare breasts, of the "cross-band" type. Incrusted, but considerable remains of color and gilding; diadem of gilt flowers, flesh is pink and white, shell is pink, waves are blue.
Provenance1896, sold by Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 6, 1896)