Terracotta lebes gamikos (round-bottomed bowl with handles and stand used in weddings)
Bride with attendants
In the center of this magnificent scene, the seated bride is shown with a harp. She looks up towards a little Eros who levitates with two fruits in his hands. The attendant with torches at the far left indicates that it is evening. The other women hold a fillet (band) and caskets. The figures on the reverse and on the stand may be additional companions of the bride. Although the function of the lebes gamikos has not been definitively explained, it certainly is a nuptial vase and, like the loutrophoros, probably served as a container for water.
In the center of this magnificent scene, the seated bride is shown with a harp. She looks up towards a little Eros who levitates with two fruits in his hands. The attendant with torches at the far left indicates that it is evening. The other women hold a fillet (band) and caskets. The figures on the reverse and on the stand may be additional companions of the bride. Although the function of the lebes gamikos has not been definitively explained, it certainly is a nuptial vase and, like the loutrophoros, probably served as a container for water.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta lebes gamikos (round-bottomed bowl with handles and stand used in weddings)
- Artist: Attributed to the Washing Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 430–420 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 22 5/16 in. (56.7 cm)
diameter 10 1/4 in. (26 cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1916
- Object Number: 16.73
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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