Beschreibung:

GREEK RED-FIGURE NECK AMPHORA WITH LADIES OF FASHION Apulian, 4th century BC A tall ceramic red-figure ware neck amphora of Magna Graecian workmanship, with pedestal base, mastoid body, strap handles and funicular neck; to one side, the neck decorated with palmettes to the outer face; the shoulder with the head of a lady of fashion, her hair dressed in a decorated sakkos with stephane at the hairline; her ears with gold drop earrings; a string of gold beads to her neck; flanked by scrolling motifs; the mastoid body with a similar female head, her hair also dressed in a sakkos with stephane ; two strings of gold beads to her neck; flanked by large palmettes; a band of wave patterning below; to the other side, a decorated roundel flanked by rosettes with white detailing to the neck; to the shoulder, a similar lady of fashion, flanked by scrolling motifs; a band of wave patterning below; the body with an image of Hermaphroditus, seated on a low stool, holding a large decorated basket in the outstretched hand; his large wings decorated in white, black and yellow, with the feathers delineated; wearing a double string of gold beads, gold bangles and anklets, the feminine hair dressed in a sakkos ; flanked by large palmettes; a band of wave patterning below; the wide, everted rim with a band of stylised olive leaves in white against a black-glazed background to the exterior; the base with red and black banding; the strap handles undecorated. 3.5 kg, 52 cm (20 1/2"). Very fine condition, evidence of repair. Provenance From the estate of a deceased North Country collector, acquired over a 30 year period from the early 1970's; formerly acquired from Astarte Gallery, Britannia Hotel, London, UK.