ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Attic Miniature Column Krater, 540-530 BC

Rare black-figure krater depicting Oedipus in front of the sphinx; on the opposite side the winged Nike running between attendants.

The scenes are framed with ivy garlands; ivy leafs also appear on the outside of the rim. The plates over the handles show swans with outspread wings.

Both scenes also occur on band-cups, but their meaning has been lost. The pictures have become generic depictions of mythological stories familiar to the Greek.

Intact, museum quality. Rare miniature size.

H. 14.1 cm (5.5 in)
D. rim 13.5 cm (5.3 in)

NFA, Classical Auctions, New York
Antiqua Ancient Art, Woodland Hills
Beazley archive vase no. 43935

POR