About this sheet
Antique Greek Jugs with Classical Figures Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting four ancient Greek jugs and pouring vessels decorated with classical figures and elaborate 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 “Kannen” and presents four contrasting examples of ancient Greek jugs, accompanied by detailed technical studies of their handles and construction.
The most striking vessel appears at right. This tall, elegant jug has a dramatically curved handle and an extensively decorated body. Its principal figural scene depicts a classical male figure beside what appears to be an architectural or ceremonial structure. The figure is surrounded by bold scrolling palmette and vegetal ornament, creating a particularly decorative composition in black and terracotta red.
At center is a more restrained vessel with an elegant elongated silhouette and high looping handle. A single draped classical figure decorates its body, providing a strong contrast with the elaborate ornament of the larger jug beside it.
The vessel at lower left is predominantly black, with a small area of terracotta figural decoration visible along its side. Above it, a smaller jug carries another classical figural scene rendered in terracotta against a black ground.
Genick supplements the vessels with several precise archaeological line drawings documenting their unusual handle attachments and structural details. These technical studies emphasize the scholarly character of the publication while adding graphic interest to the composition.
The combination of four different vessel forms, classical figures, elegant silhouettes and elaborate palmette decoration makes this an attractive and varied 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 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: XXXV
Title on plate: Kannen
Date: 1883
Edition: Second edition
Technique: Color lithograph
Origin: Germany
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 to very good antique condition. Strong black and terracotta coloring with the figural and ornamental details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered foxing and spotting, principally visible in the surrounding 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, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vessels, Kannen, Greek pouring vessels, classical figures, Greek vase print, ancient Greek jugs, palmette ornament, Greek ornament, archaeological print, archaeological drawing, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, ancient vessels, 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
