Antique Greek Amphora with Lyre Player Classical Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting an ancient Greek amphora with an elaborate classical figural and architectural scene, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format plate depicts a monumental black amphora decorated in terracotta red, black and subtle cream-white highlights. The principal scene is dominated by a seated bearded musician playing a lyre within a small temple-like architectural structure supported by columns.
Two standing male figures flank the central structure, each holding a long slender object. Their partially draped bodies and balanced placement create an almost symmetrical composition around the seated musician. Elaborate palmettes and scrolling vegetal ornament decorate the sides of the vessel, while a geometric Greek meander border runs beneath the principal scene.
The neck and shoulder are embellished with additional stylized floral and linear ornament. A small archaeological detail drawing appears beside the amphora.
The combination of music, architecture and classical figures makes this one of the particularly striking plates from Genick’s series. The monumental scale of the amphora and strong black-and-terracotta palette give the image considerable decorative impact while retaining the scholarly character of a 19th-century archaeological publication.
The print originates from the second edition of Albert Genick’s important publication on Greek ceramics, published by Ernst Wasmuth in Berlin in 1883. The complete work comprised 36 large color lithographic plates, including four double-page plates, illustrating amphorae, vases, bowls and other examples of ancient Greek ceramic art.
The lithographs were produced by the Berlin printing establishment Hein & Mosler. Albert Genick (1837–1906), a Berlin-trained architect, became particularly known for his precise graphic documentation of ancient ceramics. This publication is regarded as his principal work. Complete examples are rare, and individual plates from the series are increasingly difficult to find.
Creator: Albert Genick (1837–1906)
Publisher: Ernst Wasmuth, Berlin
Printer: Hein & Mosler, Berlin
Plate: VI
Date: 1883
Edition: Second edition
Technique: Color lithograph
Origin: Germany
Sheet size: Approximately 68 x 46 cm (26.8 x 18.1 inches)
Orientation: Portrait
Period: Late 19th Century
Style: Neoclassical / Archaeological Revival
Condition: Very good antique condition. Strong black and terracotta coloring with the lighter details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered minor foxing and spotting, principally in the surrounding margins. Minor edge wear consistent with age. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
An original antique lithograph printed in 1883, not a modern reproduction.
The print is offered unframed. Any framed or interior images, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Additional companion plates from Albert Genick’s series are available separately.
Keywords: Albert Genick, Greek amphora, lyre player, Greek musician, ancient Greek music, Greek lyre, classical musician, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vase, amphora print, classical architecture, Greek temple, archaeological print, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, classical figures, red figure pottery, ancient vessels, Greek meander, Greek key, palmette ornament, neoclassical decor, Archaeological Revival, archaeological illustration, antique lithograph, color lithograph, ceramic art, classical art, Greek Revival, Grand Tour, Ernst Wasmuth, Hein Mosler, Berlin 1883, 19th century print, museum style decor
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