The sotades painter

Abstract

Chapter one :- A brief summary of Early Classical vase painting, the painters being divided into six groups. A short discussion follows as to how much the Sotades Painter is influenced by any or all of these and in what particular aspects. Chapter two :- White ground painting a short survey, which leads naturally on to a detailed treatment of the three white ground cups in London (D5, D6, D7); two of them (D5 and D6) signed. Chapter three :- The Astragalos. This unique and beautifully painted piece of miniature has a complete chapter devoted to it. Chapter four :- Satyrs. So many of the painter's vases depict satyr play that a preliminary discussion is necessary of satyrs in both mythology and drama. The various vases (including the signed Goluchow Kantharos) devoted to this subject are then described individually, Chapter five :- Rhyta - a shape used frequently by the painter. The vases themselves are usually mounted upon or form part of an animal head, but in the case of the London rhyton it is a sphinx. All the vases are then described. Chapter six :- Proveniences, Shapes and Sotadean characteristics. The many different places in which the painter’s works have been discovered are mentioned and an attempt is made to find out if they relate in any way to the subject matter of the vases. There follows a discussion and description of the variety of shapes used by the artist as a base for his work. Finally an attempt is made to establish a chronological pattern for his work and this is followed by a catalogue of characteristic Sotadean renderings. Appendix 1 :- A description of a fragmentary camel rhyton in the Louvre, recently the subject of an article in the Revue Archelogique by Lilly Kahil. Appendix 2 :- Bibliography.