Antique Greek Kantharos with Chariot & Warriors Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting two ancient Greek kantharoi decorated with dramatic chariot and warrior scenes, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format plate presents two examples of the kantharos, an ancient Greek drinking vessel distinguished by its elegant stemmed form and exceptionally high looping handles.
The upper vessel is decorated with a dynamic chariot scene. A team of horses moves rapidly across the terracotta-red field, pulling a chariot with a standing figure behind. The energetic arrangement of the horses and finely drawn harnesses gives the composition a strong sense of movement. Stylized palmette ornament decorates the lower portion of the bowl.
The larger kantharos below carries a particularly striking martial scene. Two armed warriors confront one another against the deep black ground. The figure at left advances with a large round shield and spear, while the opposing warrior moves away or turns in response, creating a dramatic narrative composition.
Both vessels display the characteristic tall handles associated with the kantharos form, giving them an elegant and immediately recognizable silhouette.
Genick also includes several small archaeological detail drawings documenting aspects of the vessels’ construction and handles, reflecting the scholarly purpose of the original publication.
The combination of a horse-drawn chariot, classical warriors and two monumental Greek drinking vessels makes this a particularly attractive plate for collectors of classical art, equestrian imagery and ancient ceramics.
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, kantharoi, drinking vessels, rhyta, 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: XXVI
Title on plate: Kantharos
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 and terracotta coloring with the chariot, horses and warrior figures remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered minor foxing and spotting. A faint handwritten pencil annotation is visible between the two vessels. 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.
Keywords: Albert Genick, Greek kantharos, kantharos, Greek drinking vessel, Greek chariot, ancient Greek horses, horse drawn chariot, Greek warriors, ancient Greek warrior, Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vase, classical figures, warrior print, equestrian print, red figure pottery, archaeological print, archaeological illustration, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, ancient vessels, Greek mythology, 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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