Polychrome Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Deer and Lions (?) Etruscan (Etrusco-Corinthian), probably made at Vulci

Polychrome Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Deer and Lions (?)

c. 600–575 BCE

Etruscan (Etrusco-Corinthian), probably made at Vulci

Overall: 30.6 cm (12 1/16 in.)

Gift of Dr. Jacob Hirsch 1931.425

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Did You Know?

Four animals encircle this jug—two grazing deer and two predators, perhaps lions.

Description

The animal frieze decorating the widest part of this round-bodied wine jug recalls black-figure pottery imported to Etruria from Greece (especially Corinth). The shape itself, with trefoil mouth and raised handle to facilitate pouring, also resembles Greek models, as do the simple tongues and rays above and below. But the polychromed animals—brightly painted with added white and reddish-purple—identify the vase as Etruscan, likely made at Vulci. The two deer seem to be grazing on stylized plants, unconcerned about the unusual animals pursuing them; these may be lions with horns and long tongues.