About this sheet
Antique Greek Bottles & Jugs with Classical Figures Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting a varied collection of ancient Greek bottles and small jugs decorated with classical figures, geometric patterns and elaborate vegetal ornament, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive landscape-format archaeological plate is titled “Flaschen und Kännchen” and presents six different examples of ancient Greek bottles, jugs and related vessels, accompanied by technical studies of their construction and decorative details.
The tall, slender vessel at left has an especially elegant architectural form. Its elongated body is decorated with vertical fluting, geometric borders and a prominent Greek-key meander pattern in black, terracotta, cream and muted red.
The large bottle at right is the most decorative vessel on the plate. Its broad body is covered with luxuriant scrolling palmette and vegetal ornament, while a standing draped classical figure occupies the right side of the composition. The restrained black-and-terracotta palette gives the vessel particularly strong graphic impact.
Several smaller vessels occupy the center of the plate. These include a small figural vessel with a seated classical figure, a richly ornamented jug with scrolling decoration, a dark ribbed vessel and an elegant bottle decorated with a geometric lattice pattern.
Genick supplements the vessels with precise archaeological line drawings documenting details of their rims, handles and construction. These technical studies emphasize the scholarly character of the publication while adding further visual interest to the composition.
The combination of six contrasting vessel forms, classical figural imagery, Greek-key decoration and elaborate palmettes makes this an attractive survey of ancient Greek ceramic design.
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, bottles, 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)
Printer: Hein & Mosler, Berlin
Plate: XXXVII
Title on plate: Flaschen und Kännchen
Edition: Second edition
Sheet size: Approximately 46 x 68 cm (18.1 x 26.8 inches)
Orientation: Landscape
Period: Late 19th Century
Style: Neoclassical / Archaeological Revival
Condition:
Good antique condition. The black, terracotta, cream and muted-red coloring remains strong and well preserved. Age-related toning with scattered foxing and spotting, more noticeable in the lower and right portions of the sheet. 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.
