Antique Greek Krater with Classical Figures Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting an ancient Greek krater decorated with an elegant classical figural scene, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format plate presents a monumental bell-shaped krater rendered in the characteristic black and terracotta-red palette of ancient Greek pottery.
The principal decoration consists of a lively group of four classical figures arranged across the body of the vessel. At left, a standing male figure holds a drinking vessel above a partially draped companion. At the center, a draped male figure raises a long object toward his face, while the figure at right holds what appears to be an animal skin or patterned textile. The arrangement creates a particularly animated narrative composition.
The figural scene is framed by finely rendered ornamental borders. A repeating elongated motif decorates the upper section of the vessel, while radiating geometric ornament emphasizes the lower body.
Genick includes archaeological detail drawings on either side of the krater. These document aspects of the vessel’s construction and its ornamental decoration, reinforcing the scholarly archaeological character of the original publication.
The monumental single-vessel composition, large figural scene and strong contrast between black and terracotta make this one of the particularly decorative krater 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, 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: XVIII
Title on plate: Krater
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 fine figural and ornamental details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered minor foxing and spotting, principally visible in the surrounding 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.
Keywords: Albert Genick, Greek krater, ancient Greek krater, Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vase, krater print, classical figures, red figure pottery, ancient Greek pottery, archaeological print, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, classical vase, ancient vessels, Greek ornament, archaeological drawing, archaeological illustration, 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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