Ancient Greek Apulian Terracotta Krater

A magnificent, ancient Greek, terracotta bell krater from Apulia, depicted the god Eros. The vessel is executed in black slip with a decorative frieze of red figures and additional details emphasized in white pigment. The vessel presents a pedestal base, which leads to a bell-shaped body. Applied handles are situated at the sides and the body has a broad everted rim. Side A depicts a nude male figure, the Greek god Eros, shown sitting and facing right, with large, unfurled wings at his back. In his right hand he holds a large bunch of grapes. Beneath his seated form, the rocks upon which he sits are draped with the folds of his chlamys. Additional decorative details have been added in, what was originally white pigment, to his arms, neck and head. He is bejewelled with bracelets, a necklace and laurel wreath. His wings are beautifully detailed; with three registers of white feathers, decorated with delicate dot motifs. Around the seated figure of Eros are two floral elements, acting as filler ornaments. A fanned palmette arrangement sits beneath the handles, again adding a further decorative element. A continuous laurel wreath features above each scene, sitting beneath the everted rim. Side B is less decorative in nature and features a male youth in the centre, known as an ephebe. He wears a himation around him, sandals on his feet and a wreath tied at the front upon his head. Decorative floral filler elements also surround him, complementing side A.