Oinochoe of the Shuvalov painter (Berlin F 2414)

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Detail view

The oinochoe by the Shuvalov painter in the Berlin Collection of Antiquities , inventory number F 2414 , shows one of the most famous erotic representations of Greek vase painting .

General view of the oinochoe

The rather small oinochoe was found in Locri, southern Italy . The clay pot stands out because of its almost completely glossy black decoration, in which the small red-figure picture particularly stands out. It is located on the side opposite the handle, on the upper curve of the bowl of the can. The picture shows a young man and a woman shortly before the sexual act. The youth, whose youth is clearly visible through the long curls that fall on his temple and neck, sits tightly in an armchair and holds on to the seat with his hands. He holds his legs tightly together and stretched out, ready to be united. His robe is pulled down to his thighs. The initiative in the scene shown comes without a doubt from the woman, who is completely naked except for a wide hairband. She is holding on to the armrest and has raised her right leg and is about to sit on the young man's lap. The eye contact and the touch through the heads show a certain connectedness, even intimacy, which appears unexpected in the scene. After all, the norms and conventions of Athenian society suggest that the woman can only be a prostitute. An honorable Greek would never be shown in such a way, and it would have been improper for an honorable woman to take such initiative in making love. It is therefore clear that this scene either takes place in a brothel or is to be assumed as part of a symposium . The young man's tense posture and shy gaze also suggest that his sexual experience is still limited; the picture may show his first sexual contact with a woman.

Based on stylistic studies, the oinochoe is attributed to the so-called Shuvalov painter , who lived between 440 and 410 BC. Ran a workshop in Athens. The vase is dated around 430 BC. BC, but no later than 420 BC. BC, dated. It is in very good condition, the only thing missing is a bit of black gloss on the upper lip and the handle, and there is a small missing spot on the base of the vase. The Oinochoenform used here is relatively rare. The vessel is 19 cm high and has a diameter of 15.5 cm without the handle. In 1828 it was acquired for the Berlin Collection of Antiquities along with other items from the von Koller collection . Today it is presented in a slightly separated room with erotic art in the antique collection in the Altes Museum . Due to the fine drawing of its high quality, the picture is one of the works of Greek vase painting most frequently shown in relevant works.

literature

Web links

Remarks

  1. Martin Maischberger: Wine jug of the Schuwalow painter: Lovers , in: Andreas Scholl (Hrsg.): The antique collection: Altes Museum. Pergamon Museum , von Zabern, Mainz 2007, p. 76.

Coordinates: 52 ° 31 '10 "  N , 13 ° 23' 54"  E