Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The hydria, vase designed to water transport, is decorated on the back by a complex series of palmettes and spirals.

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The beginning of a new phase of Apulian production has conventionally been dated around 370 BC. It was characterized by a standardized language and greater expansion of the area of circulation, as well as the progressive establishment of workshops in the local area. This hydria, a vessel used to carry water, is an example of the attention to decorative detail and the repetition of figured themes that recurred during this phase. The back features a complex series of palmettes and spirals, whereas the main side presents a funerary scene. In the middle there is a naìskos, a temple building, in which a woman is opening a box offered to her by a young girl; on the sides, four women positioned on two levels bear offerings for the woman, probably the deceased. The theme of offerings to the dead depicted in a small temple was very common, and it focused on the perspectival rendering of architecture and close attention to details.

Provenance: University Collection (previously Marsili)
Datation: 350 - 320 BC Gioia del Colle Painter
Material: clay
Dimensions: height cm 64,5
Inventory #: G 364 (PU 548)