Antique Greek Jugs with Winged Figure Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting a varied collection of ancient Greek jugs and pouring vessels, including a particularly striking vessel decorated with a large winged figure, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format plate is titled “Kannen” and presents five different examples of ancient Greek jugs, accompanied by archaeological drawings documenting details of their handles, mouths and construction.
The most visually striking vessel appears at lower left. Its terracotta-red body is dominated by a dramatic winged figure shown in energetic movement. The large dark wings extend across much of the vessel, surrounded by elegant palmette and vegetal ornament. The bold contrast between terracotta, black and cream gives this jug exceptional decorative presence.
At upper left is another substantial jug decorated with a classical figural panel showing standing figures against a terracotta ground.
The tall vessel at upper right is particularly colorful and ornamental. Its surface combines radiating bands, geometric motifs and architectural forms in black, terracotta, cream and muted red, demonstrating the remarkable variety of ancient Greek ceramic decoration.
The smaller central vessel is predominantly black with delicate cream and terracotta ornament, while the elegant jug at lower right has an elongated spout, curved handle and restrained dark body enriched with subtle decorative details.
Genick supplements the vessels with precise archaeological line drawings showing the construction of handles and spouts. These technical studies emphasize the scholarly purpose of the publication while adding further graphic interest to the composition.
The combination of five contrasting vessel forms, classical figures, a prominent winged figure and unusually rich polychrome decoration makes this one of the particularly attractive “Kannen” plates from the series.
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 color lithographic plates, including four double-page plates, illustrating amphorae, kraters, hydriae, kantharoi, kylikes, jugs, bowls, rhyta 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: XXXIV
Title on plate: Kannen
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: Good to very good antique condition. Strong black, terracotta, cream and muted-red coloring with the figural and ornamental details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered foxing and spotting, principally visible in the background and margins. Minor wear and slight irregularity along the sheet edges 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.
Reference: Brand/Evers 597.
Keywords: Albert Genick, Greek jugs, Greek pottery, winged figure, Greek mythology, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vessels, Kannen, Greek pouring vessels, classical figures, winged figure pottery, Greek vase print, polychrome pottery, ancient vessels, palmette ornament, archaeological print, archaeological drawing, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, classical pottery, neoclassical decor, Archaeological Revival, 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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