Some Fragments of a Vase presumably by Euphronios

Abstract

The fragments collected on Plate VI. were found in 1888 in the excavations on the Acropolis—near to the south wall beyond the stratum of poros débris. (). I am not able to offer a complete restoration of the design, nor to explain with certainty all details, but the extant fragments are of such great artistic and archaeological importance that it seems desirable to publish them at once, without waiting either for such explanation or for a detailed examination of the mythography involved.I owe to the courtesy of M. Kabbadias permission to make the publication. The drawing is by M. Gilliéron, kindly supervised by Dr. Wolters, after I left Athens. To him is therefore due the present restored position of the fragments.The vase was obviously a cylix, the designs of both interior and exterior being painted on a white ground. The necklet and bracelet of the female figure, the head-bands of both, and other portions in slight relief and now coloured red, once bore gilding. The subject and main outline of the—most important—interior design are happily clear. Orpheus (ΟΡΦΕϒ) to the right sinks on one knee to the ground; his left hand no doubt supported him.