About this sheet
Antique Greek Lekythos with Classical Figures Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting three ancient Greek lekythoi decorated with classical figural scenes, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive landscape-format plate is titled “Lekythos” and presents three contrasting examples of this elegant ancient Greek vessel type. Lekythoi were slender vessels principally associated with the storage of oil and are particularly well known for their use in funerary contexts in ancient Greece.
Dominating the composition is a large terracotta-ground lekythos with a tall neck, single handle and finely decorated body. Its principal scene depicts a standing armed figure facing a seated figure, creating a particularly engaging classical narrative. The figures are surrounded by delicate geometric and vegetal decoration, while an elaborate repeating palmette band encircles the lower part of the scene.
At left is a smaller lekythos carrying another animated figural composition. A seated or crouching figure appears beside a wheeled object or chariot-related element, rendered in black, terracotta and cream.
The tall lekythos at right provides a striking contrast. Its predominantly black body is decorated with a single elegant draped figure holding an object, framed above and below by traditional Greek geometric ornament.
Together, the three vessels demonstrate the remarkable variety of form and painted decoration found in ancient Greek lekythoi.
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 illustrating amphorae, kraters, hydriae, kantharoi, kylikes, lekythoi and numerous 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 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: XXXIX
Title on plate: Lekythos
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 antique condition. Strong black and terracotta coloring with the classical figures and ornamental details remaining well preserved. Age-related toning with scattered foxing and spotting, particularly visible in the open 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 lekythos, Greek lekythoi, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek oil vessel, classical figures, Greek warrior, funerary vessel, Greek funerary art, ancient Greece, Greek vase, Greek pottery print, classical pottery, palmette ornament, Greek meander, Greek key, archaeological print, archaeological illustration, classical antiquity, ancient vessels, 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
