ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

On this lekythos the handle for pouring can be seen at rear. The action depicted here is a grave offering taking place, in which the lady approaches the actual grave stela (tombstone) of her departed husband. His military colors are tied about the top of the stela, and again at the base. Her expression is somber and thoughtful. Note that the imagery is not as well preserved as found in red and black figure ware. The white ground proved to be more fragile and prone to deterioration over time. This lekythos is 12.5" in height, and this is a typical size for such pieces, making them much smaller and more delicate than the kraters, amphorae, and hydria we have seen.

Greek White Ground Lekythos, Offering at the Grave Stela, 440 BCE from Eretia