Tomb lekythos

Summary

The lekythos is made of white, fine-grained marble. The upper part of the neck is missing and a new foot in limestone has been added. On the shoulder the remains of the original painted decoration are still visible to the naked eye. On the areas originally painted the pigments have protected the marble surface leaving it bleached compared to the exposed, weathered surface. This reveals originally painted patterns of spirals and palmettes. Under the relief a meander is seen and below traces of palmettes and other floral motifs.

In May 1993 the lekythos was thoroughly cleaned.

Description of object

On a protruding base the figures stand in relief. A band along the upper edge of the vase originally painted is smoother than the rest. To the left a man holds a horse by its reins with the left hand while with his right he clasps the hand of an elderly, smaller man standing facing him. The horseman wears a short chiton and the other man only a large cloak, both are bearded.

Choice of methods

Visual examination

• Macroscopic

Bibliography

F. Poulsen 1951, Catalogue of Ancient Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. No. 221b.

M. Moltesen 1995, Catalogue. Greece in the Classical Period. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. No. 65.