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Attic black-figure cup depicting Greek sailing ships, c. 520 BC (pottery)
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Attic black-figure cup depicting Greek sailing ships, c. 520 BC (pottery)
XIR159143 Attic black-figure cup depicting Greek sailing ships, c.520 BC (pottery) by Nikosthenes, (fl.540-510 BC); Louvre, Paris, France; (add.info.: The cup is decorated with two warships on each side. On each ship, a straight stem painted with an eye for good luck stands above the prow, whose ram is shaped like a boars head. The helmsman is standing keeping a lookout. The coxswain is standing at the stern, which is elegantly curved like a swans neck. The ladders are fastened horizontally. The ships are being followed by dolphins. Mermaids painted on the rinceaux near the handles complete the decoration. The artist perhaps intended a reference to the story of Ulysses and the mermaids from Homers Odyssey.); Greek, out of copyright
Media ID 23364408
© Bridgeman Images
Archaic Archeology Base Handle Kylix Sail Sailor Greece Greek Thing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This black-figure cup, dating back to around 520 BC, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Greek pottery. Created by Nikosthenes, a renowned artist from the period (fl. 540-510 BC), this masterpiece is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The cup's design features two Greek warships on each side, meticulously painted with intricate details. Each ship boasts a straight stem adorned with an eye for good luck and a boar's head-shaped ram at its prow. The helmsman stands tall, keeping a vigilant lookout while the coxswain commands from the elegantly curved stern resembling a swan's neck. Horizontal ladders are securely fastened to facilitate movement across the ships as they gracefully sail through turbulent waters. Accompanying these majestic vessels are playful dolphins swimming alongside them. Adding further allure to this artwork are mermaids depicted on rinceaux near the handles of the cup. This artistic choice possibly alludes to Homer's Odyssey and Ulysses' encounter with enchanting mermaids during his epic journey. With its rich symbolism and attention to detail, this Attic black-figure cup offers us a glimpse into ancient Greece's maritime culture and mythology. It serves as a testament to both the skill of its creator and our enduring fascination with history and artistry from antiquity.
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