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Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. A red-figure pottery skyphos, a dual-handled, deep cup with a low flanged base, used for drinking wine. It is painted on each side with an owl standing between two sprays of olive leaves. This type of skyphos was extremely popular for several centuries, initially exported from Athens throughout the Greek world, including into Italy. Size: 5.5″ L x 3.4″ W x 2.7″ H (14 cm x 8.6 cm x 6.9 cm)
The owl is a symbol of Athena, and often shown accompanying her; Athena, of course, was the goddess of the city of Athens, and so the owl became a symbol of Athens and its government. The olive tree, as well, relates to Athens. Athena and Poseidon were said to have quarreled over the city of Athens and Athena planted an olive tree on the Acropolis to show that it belonged to her. Herodotus records that, although the Persians burnt all of the Acropolis, the remains of the olive tree sprouted a new branch the very next day. The Athenian imagery present on this piece reminds us of the power of Greek cultural symbols in the ancient world.
Condition: Repaired from about 7 pieces with 10% restoration affecting most of one palmette to the side of one of the owls and about 30% repainting to same owl.
Provenance: private Carlton Collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired between 1965 and 1980.
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