Terracotta Lebes Gamikos Attributed to the Washing Painter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2012

Terracotta lebes gamikos (round-bottomed bowl with handles and stand used in weddings)

Attributed to the Washing Painter

Period: Classical

Date: ca. 430–420 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; red-figure

Dimensions: H. 22 5/16 in. (56.7 cm) diameter 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1916

Accession Number: 16.73

Description:

Bride with attendants

In the center of this magnificent scene, the seated bride is shown with a harp. She looks up towards a little Eros who levitates with two fruits in his hands. The attendant with torches at the far left indicates that it is evening. The other women hold a fillet (band) and caskets. The figures on the reverse and on the stand may be additional companions of the bride. Although the function of the lebes gamikos has not been definitively explained, it certainly is a nuptial vase and, like the loutrophoros, probably served as a container for water.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/249069