Providence Painter

On one side of this storage jar stands an image of the god Apollo, marked by his flowing hair and the kithara (a deeper-toned lyre) he carries. On the other side, heavily damaged, is a female figure, possibly Artemis, Apollo’s sister. Although situated on opposite sides of the vessel, the two figures interact: the female brings a jug to pour wine into the libation bowl in Apollo’s outstretched hand. Apollo, god of the sun, music and poetry, and medicine, was one of the most important deities of ancient Greece. One of the Pan-Hellenic festivals, the Pythian Games, were held in his honor. The Greeks considered his sanctuary at Delphi, home of the widely known Oracle, to be the center of the universe.

This jar became known as the name vase (signature piece) of the Providence Painter, to whom almost 150 other red-figure works are attributed, because it most clearly showcases his style. He preferred simple scenes in which single figures appear on a plain black background.