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Attic Red-Figure Pelike Amazon and GriffinAn ancient Attic Greek red-figure Pelike. The scene depicts an Amazon or Arimasp with a pelta shield swinging her sword against a griffin that pounces upon her right leg. On the reverse are two standing draped figures. Kerch style, Group G, Athens, Attica. The Kerch style was the final phase of Attic red-figure pottery production. The vases are so named because they are found at the site of Kerch (ancient Pantikapaion) on the Black Sea. They were evidently made specifically for export to this region. Not surprisingly their decorative motifs often feature legendary figures that the Greeks associated with the uncivilized lands to the north of the Black Sea. Foremost among these depictions are Amazons, Arimasps, and Griffins. Formerly in the collection of Gert von Hassel, Germany (1944-2009), acquired between 1970 and 1983; subsequently in a New York private collection. Inv#: 5281 $4,000 |
