An Apulian red-figured Phiale
Second half of 4th century BC; diam. cm 40; A gently curving plate with a flat rim, on a moulded base, with ribbon-shaped handles set horizontally on the rim; there is a small knob at each end of the handles. The tondo is encircled by a sequence of olive leaves. At its centre, an androgynous, winged eros is depicted nude, standing to the right; he carries a phiale and a fan in his hands and wears earrings and anklets. Opposite, a female figure advances to the left, her head turned to the right; she wears a long chiton, a pearl necklace and in her right hand hangs a phiale. The background is filled with floral motifs, whilst the groundline is decorated with ovoli motifs, beneath which sits another phiale.
Restored. The phiale, a vessel generally used for libation rituals, in fourth century Apulian production is closely linked to the female world and, in particular, to the cult of Eros. The red-figure style decoration with details overpainted in white, is characterized by betrothal scenes, in which a female figure often appears in the company of Eros, who is offering the bride-to-be objects such as phiale, perfume bottles, a looking glass and wreaths.

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, London; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s.