Column Krater (mixing bowl for wine and water): Four-Horse Chariot and Charioteer; Sphinx and Lions

Artists

Description

The vase is broken and repaired with numerous rivet holes on the body from ancient repairs. In shape, the vessel has a wide body, short neck, and echinus foot. On each side is a figural panel bordered on the top with a red and black alternating tongue pattern. Both handle plates bear a sphinx in profile. Detail is enhanced throughout with added red. On the obverse, a four-horse chariot and charioteer stand flanked by warriors. The charioteer, wearing a long chiton and brimmed hat, faces left while the horses are frontal. On either side, two pairs of warriors fight in combat. They wear Corinthian helmets and carry Boeotian shields. On the reverse, a sphinx is flanked by two lions. The sphinx (a mythical creature with the head of a human, body of a lion, and wings of a bird) faces right with wings outstretched. The lions each avert their heads. Detailed is enhanced with incision on the lions's manes and added red on the lions and sphinx's hind-quarters.

Dimensions

33.4 cm h x 35.6 cm diam (43.7 cm d with handles) (13 1/8 in h x 14 in diam) (17 3/16 in diam with handles)

Provenance

Joseph Clark Hoppin, bequest; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1925.