About this sheet
Antique Greek Krater & Rhyton Drinking Horns Color Lithograph, 1883
Original antique color lithograph depicting an ancient Greek krater together with two remarkable drinking horns or rhyta, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics.
This impressive landscape-format archaeological plate is titled “Krater – Zwei Trinkhörner” and combines a monumental classical krater with two unusual drinking vessels and several detailed studies of their construction and decoration.
Dominating the composition is a large black krater decorated in terracotta red. Its principal scene contains a group of classical and mythological figures arranged around a central seated figure. Several figures carry staffs or leafy branches, while a prominent winged figure appears near the center of the composition. A traditional Greek-key meander border runs beneath the figural scene.
To the left is an extraordinary curved drinking horn or rhyton. Its upper section is decorated with a winged figure, while the dramatically curved lower body terminates in an animal-like form. Nearby archaeological drawings record structural and ornamental details of the vessel, including a small mask or head motif.
At right is another highly unusual rhyton terminating in the realistically rendered head of a horned animal. The upper vessel is decorated with a winged classical figure carrying a circular object. Above it, Genick includes a precise line drawing of the animal’s head and the construction of the vessel.
The combination of monumental Greek pottery, mythological figures, winged figures and zoomorphic drinking vessels makes this one of the most visually varied and unusual 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, rhyta, bowls 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: XX
Title on plate: Krater – Zwei Trinkhörner
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:
Very good antique condition. Strong black and terracotta coloring with the fine figural, animal and ornamental details remaining well preserved. Light age-related toning with scattered minor foxing and spotting, principally visible in the surrounding 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.
