About this sheet
Antique Greek Jugs with Classical & Winged Figures Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting a remarkable collection of ancient Greek jugs and pouring vessels decorated with classical figures, winged figures and elaborate polychrome ornament, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive large-format plate is titled “Kannen” and presents seven different examples of ancient Greek jugs and related pouring vessels, accompanied by detailed archaeological studies of their handles, mouths and construction.
The two large vessels occupying the lower section are particularly striking. The jug at lower left has an elegant elongated spout and high looping handle. Its body is richly decorated in black and terracotta red with a prominent winged classical figure surrounded by bold scrolling vegetal and palmette ornament.
The monumental vessel at lower right is even more unusual. Its broad body carries a large classical figural scene enriched with black, terracotta, cream and red details. A human head appears incorporated into the upper part of the vessel near the neck and spout, giving the jug an especially sculptural character.
Several smaller vessels demonstrate the extraordinary variety of ancient Greek ceramic decoration. These include examples with intricate scale-like patterns, geometric bands, rosettes and restrained polychrome ornament.
Genick supplements the vessels with numerous precise archaeological line drawings documenting their handles, spouts and structural details. These technical studies emphasize the scholarly archaeological purpose of the publication while contributing to the plate’s highly graphic composition.
The combination of seven different vessel forms, classical and winged figures, unusual figural details and a particularly varied palette makes this one of the richest and most decorative “Kannen” 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, 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: XXXVI
Title on plate: Kannen
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, terracotta, cream and red 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, winged figure, classical figures, figural pottery, Greek mythology, polychrome pottery, Greek vase print, ancient vessels, palmette ornament, archaeological print, archaeological drawing, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, 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
