Vase Catalog Number: Philadelphia L-64-248

Decoration:

Side A: Dionysos with satyrs and maenads. Dionysos stands in the center holding a rhyton. On each of his sides, there is a naked satyr and a maenad, with the maenads standing next to Dionysos. Dionysos stands in profile to the right. He has raised the rhyton he holds in his left hand, as if to drink, and he holds a grape vine in his right hand. His long beard is red, and he is dressed in a long chiton over which is draped a heavy mantle with a red border. There is a crown of grape leaves on his head. The satyr and maenad on the left are dancing. The maenad has thrown her right arm over the satyr's shoulders and prances so that her left knee is raised and her foot off the ground. She holds a cup in her left hand. The satyr moves more sedately. His left hand is held out at waist level and it looks as if the artist had made some attempt to show him holding the maenad's hand with his right. The satyr and maenad on the right are also dancing, their arms held bent with the right hand at chest level and the left hand at waist level. They are shown in three-quarters view, she to the left, he to the right. They turn their heads to look at one another. She has one foot off the ground. The maenads wear chitons belted at the waist. They are decorated with small rosettes and the skirt is gathered at the center to fall in folds painted red and black. The satyrs have long red beards and tails. The vine held by Dionysos spreads over most of the background.

Side B: Dionysos riding a donkey. Dionysos sits astride a donkey facing right, a naked satyr standing to either side. Dionysos, bearded and wearing a crown of grape leaves, is holding a rhyton in his right hand. He has hitched up his mantle to be able to mount the donkey, leaving his bare legs hanging. The donkey is ithyphallic. The satyr on the left walks behind the donkey and is gesturing with his left hand. The satyr on the right is leading the donkey forward with his right hand and has turned his head back to better watch its progress. He holds his left arm cocked with his hand held flat at waist level. Both satyrs have long red beards and tails and a fringe of red hair around their faces. A grape-laden vine extends over the background, apparently emanating from Dionysos.

There is a honeysuckle pattern on the neck of the vase.

Collection History:

The vase once belonged to the collection of Dr. Robert H. Lamborn who bequeathed it to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1903. It has been on extended loan to the University Museum, Philadelphia, since 1935.

Condition:

The vase is in very good condition, showing only some discoloration and slight chipping of the surface.

(Kathleen Krattenmaker)