On view
Ancient Mediterranean Art
Alabastron (flask) with winged panther,
ca. 600–550 BCE
Attributed to the Pescia Romana Painter
Etruscan
Archaic Period, Etrusco-Corinthian Period, ca. 630–540 BCE, ca. 600–480 BCE
y1990-49
Animal-shaped vessels and vessels with painted representations of animals were produced and used across the ancient Mediterranean. Their widespread creation attests to a shared impulse to incorporate animals and nature into the world of humans. These elaborate and intricate vessels were used for ceremonial banquets and religious rituals, or in funerary activities. At times, it was believed that the use of these vessels could almost animate the creatures represented, making them present and involved in the unfolding events. The incorporation of vessels rep- resenting animals at these moments both connected the human and animal worlds and asserted the differences between these disparate realms.
Information
Title
Alabastron (flask) with winged panther
Dates
ca. 600–550 BCE
Maker
Attributed to the Pescia Romana Painter
Medium
Ceramic
Dimensions
h. 24.5 cm, diam. 9.6 cm (9 5/8 x 3 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Christopher Forbes, Class of 1972, and Mrs. Forbes in honor of Alexander P. Papamarkou, Graduate School Class of 1952
Object Number
y1990-49
Place Made
Europe, Italy, Etruria (central Italy)
Culture
Subject
Formerly Sotheby’s, London; with Ariadne Galleries, N.Y.; sold to a private owner; with Christopher Forbes and Mrs. Forbes; given to the Museum in 1990
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Egyptian and Middle Eastern antiquities, ancient jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, South Italian Greek pottery vases, Roman mosaics, ancient glass and art reference books: day of sale Monday, 10th July ... and Tuesday, 11th July 1989, (London: Sotheby's, 1989).
, cat. no. 438 (illus.) - "Acquisitions of the Art Museum 1990," Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University 50, no. 1 (1991): p. 16-69., pp. 62–63 (illus.)
