Archaeological Museum of Bologna

Museo Civico Archeologico
Via dell'Archiginnasio 2 - 40124 Bologna
Tel. 051.27.57.211

Direzione e Uffici
Via de' Musei 8 – 40124 Bologna
Tel. 051.27.57.211 - Fax 051.26.65.16
mca@comune.bologna.it

MAP

  • banner sezioni

Collections / Ricerca / Greek Collection: Attic black-figure pottery

Attic black-figure amphora signed by Nikosthenes

This amphora is a fine example of the typical production of Nikosthenes, an attic potter active between the third quarter-century and the end of the 6th century BC, which initiates a special vases production with a peculiar shape in imitation of metal containers. Nikosthenes was at the same time ceramist and painter and his productions found great favor in Etruria, where it came from the most of the specimens attributed to him.

More info

The decoration of the amphora is divided into bands that mainly feature geometric and plant motifs, palmettes and lotus blossoms. The first band is a striking frieze of ferocious animals touched up in purple and white, and the handles have two dancing Maenads.


The attribution of the amphora to Nikosthenes is unquestionable, thanks to the presence of an inscription in Greek letters on the first band: “Nikosthenes made me”.

Provenance: Cerveteri (Roma). Palagi Collection
Datation: 540–510 BC, Nikosthenes, N Painter
Material: clay
Dimensions: height cm 32
Inventory #: G 9 (PU 197)

Go back to introduction

Images

Exhibition rooms | Rooms V and VI - Greek collection