About this sheet
Antique Greek Kylix, Bowls & Warriors Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting a collection of ancient Greek kylikes, bowls and covered vessels, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive landscape-format archaeological plate is titled “Schalen” and presents six different examples of ancient Greek bowls and related vessels, ranging from richly decorated ceremonial pieces to restrained black-glazed forms.
Dominating the upper section is a magnificent large kylix or drinking cup. Its broad shallow bowl is decorated with a dramatic group of helmeted warriors carrying spears and shields. Large circular eye motifs flank the figural scene, creating the striking “eye-cup” effect associated with some forms of ancient Greek drinking vessels. The restrained use of black, terracotta red, cream and deeper red details gives this vessel exceptional graphic impact.
At the center is another substantial two-handled bowl with an elaborate looping central handle or attachment. Its exterior is richly decorated with large palmettes, scrolling vegetal motifs and geometric ornament.
The four smaller vessels surrounding these principal examples demonstrate a variety of ancient bowl forms. One carries animal decoration, another displays a small running figural scene between palmettes, while the remaining vessels emphasize the elegant silhouettes of black-glazed Greek ceramics. The lower-right example retains its fitted lid.
A technical line drawing at upper left records the construction and profile of one of the handles, reflecting the scholarly archaeological character of Genick’s publication.
The combination of warriors, an eye-cup kylix, ornamental palmettes and six different vessel forms makes this a particularly varied and decorative 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, kantharoi, kylikes, 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: XXVII
Title on plate: Schalen
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:
Very good antique condition. Strong black and terracotta coloring with cream and deeper red details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered minor 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.
Keywords:
Albert Genick, Greek kylix, eye cup, Greek eye cup, Greek warriors, Greek bowls, ancient Greek bowls, Schalen, Greek drinking vessel, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vase, classical warriors, Greek shield, Greek spear, Greek pottery print, black glazed pottery, palmette ornament, ancient vessels, archaeological print, archaeological illustration, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, 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
