In this Greek vase, so unusual in
shape that it is
impossible to classify it in the
traditional
manner, we stumble upon a rollicking
party of
Saytrs. The middle figure, leaps into
the air, his
right hand grasping an ornate typanum.
Upon
that drum he keeps time to the melody
provided
by the reed-flutes in the hands of his
companions. Both painted as side-
portraits, they
frame the outstretched middle figure-
making it
seem as if the space he occupies is
grander, and
making his leap that much more
dramatic and
joyous. If we turn the vase we will
notice under
the perfectly formed spout an enormous
portrait
of the Saytr-beast which occupies the
festival
directly left of it. This creature
casts a gentle eye
upon the party at hand, his rounded
nose and
delicate eyes giving a touch of
gravity to the
whimsical face that is so dominated by
the
massive ears and eyebrows. Turning the
vase
further, our eyes fall upon a stunning
and
intricate pattern beneath the spout. A
fan of
palm fronds erupts forth from the base
in
perfect symmetry- graciously curving
inward to
allow a sinuous border to wrap around
it and the
handle itself.
The shape of the vessel alone is
enough to
propel it into the categorization of a
masterpiece. The offset spout is
perfectly
symmetrical, and seamlessly and
flawlessly
blends into the base of the piece. The
cap is
perfectly and acutely angled, giving a
surprising
element of sharpness to an otherwise
completely
round and curved piece. Such
craftsmanship is
rarely witnessed, even among the
master-
potters of Ancient Greece, and such
creativity in
regards to the shape, the placement of
the
spout, and the structure of the cap is
practically
never witnessed.
This piece is a masterwork, a
paramount display
of artistry, pageantry, and the joys
of celebration.
Who knows what three Satyrs sat in
symposia,
pouring an endless maelstrom of wine
from this
vessel, enjoying one another’s
company as much
as the three depicted upon this vase?
And while
it may no longer be able to serve the
most direct
of its uses in the name of happiness
and
friendship, the artistry and nature of
the piece is
enough to do just that. What eye
cannot be
charmed by so vibrant a scene, what
heart by so
clear a depiction of love and
camaraderie?
- (FF.21)
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