Attic Red-Figure Column Krater Attributed to the Boreas Painter

This column krater is attributed to the artist known as the Boreas Painter, column kraters being the earliest version of the krater first imported from Corinth in the 6th Century B.C.. On the front, a nude standing satyr is depicted gesticulating towards a draped woman who holds a thyrsus. On the reverse is a young man, draped, carrying a walking stick. Ancient repair on the foot of the krater which broke off in antiquity and was reattached with three iron pins, substantial traces of which are preserved. Except for the ancient repair the piece is intact and in a fine state of preservation. Similar vessels were believed to be used as cinerary urns, and surely this piece would have made a splendid memorial if that was the case. However, considering the presence of a satyr, who often symbolize the effects of inebriation, in the composition suggests that this work was intended to celebrate life, not death.