Antique Greek Lekythoi with Classical Figures & Lyre Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting five ancient Greek lekythoi and related oil vessels decorated with classical figures, mythological subjects and elaborate ornament, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format archaeological plate is titled “Lekythen” and presents five contrasting examples of ancient Greek lekythoi, accompanied by precise technical drawings documenting their profiles and construction.
Across the upper section are three elegant elongated vessels. The example at left carries a figural composition with a seated nude figure against a dark ground, surrounded by bold scrolling vegetal ornament. The central vessel depicts a standing draped female figure, while the tall lekythos at right is particularly decorative, with elaborate scrolling palmettes and a traditional Greek-key meander border.
The two larger vessels below provide an attractive contrast. At lower left is a broad, rounded vessel with unusually rich polychrome decoration. Its symmetrical design combines black, cream and deep red in an almost architectural arrangement of scrolling and geometric motifs.
The large black-ground vessel at lower right carries a particularly appealing classical scene. A nude male figure stands playing a stringed instrument, probably a lyre or kithara, with an animal beside him. The restrained composition is especially striking against the deep black body of the vessel.
Genick supplements the vessels with numerous archaeological profile drawings showing rims, bases and other construction details. These technical studies emphasize the scholarly purpose of the original publication while adding further visual interest.
The combination of five different vessel forms, classical figures, musical imagery and unusually varied polychrome decoration makes this a particularly attractive plate 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 work was issued as a series of large color lithographic plates documenting amphorae, kraters, hydriae, kantharoi, kylikes, lekythoi and numerous other forms 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 richly illustrated 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: XXXX (40)
Title on plate: Lekythen
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 antique condition. The black, terracotta, cream and deep-red lithographic colors remain strong and attractive. Age-related toning with noticeable scattered foxing and spotting throughout the sheet, particularly visible in the open background and margins. Minor edge wear and slight irregularities 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 lekythos, Greek lekythoi, Lekythen, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek oil vessel, lyre player, Greek lyre, kithara, Greek musician, classical figures, Greek mythology, ancient Greek music, Greek vase print, polychrome pottery, palmette ornament, Greek meander, Greek key, archaeological print, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, ancient vessels, neoclassical decor, Archaeological Revival, antique lithograph, color lithograph, classical art, Greek Revival, Grand Tour, Ernst Wasmuth, Hein Mosler, Berlin 1883, 19th century print, museum style decor
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