Northern Italy, Etruria, ca. 6th century BCE. A large and impressive pottery amphora of a fine form with a classic bulbous body upon a raised splayed foot, a thick rim at the top, and gracefully curved twin handles adjoining shoulder to neck, all hand painted in the black figure technique with dramatic mythological subject matter. The iconography is comprised of two muscular warriors on one side about to do battle with a fierce Centaur on the reverse. Both warriors stride forward, the gent in front donning an elaborate helmet and uniform, armed with a spear and shield, his companion proudly following with an equally intimidating weapon. The Centaur boasts a rather menacing half-man, half-horse physique, and wildly wields two large spheres. Beyond this figural iconography, various decorative leaves and intricate designs adorn the field and areas between the figures. This piece was TL (thermoluminiscence) tested and tested positive for authenticity. A document of this is included with this piece. A similar example hammered at $43,750 at Sotheby's NY, Lot 14, June 7, 2012. See http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/lot.14.html/2012/antiquities-n08871. For a similar published example, see Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen: M. Martelli, La Ceramica degli Etruschi (Novara 1987) 181, no. 134. Size: 9" W x 13.625" H (22.9 cm x 34.6 cm). Size: 9" W x 13.625" H (22.9 cm x 34.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-old private German collection.

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#112699

Intact with light encrustations and minor surface wear and paint loss as shown.