The interpretation of the scenes on this belly amphora is not entirely simple. If one considers both sides in context, the depiction of the total of nine figures (five on the A-side, four on the B-side) could be underworld deities. This would be suggested by the object that the seated female figure is holding in her hands, namely a pomegranate. In ancient Greece, this was attributed to the deities of the underworld, Hades and Persephone. The seated figure wears a polos, the crown of the gods; this characterises her as a goddess. To the right and left, two women surround the goddess, each obviously wishing to present her with a wreath. Whether this is the act of an award or honour, for which wreaths were used among other things, must remain open.
The abdominal amphora cannot be attributed to any known painter. However, some details, such as the drawing, point to the works of the painter of Louvre F6 from the circle around the vase painter Lydos. The letters of the inscription on the underside of the foot of the amphora are Ionic; they are to be read in left-hand direction: ΛΗ. (AVS)
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