



Oinochoe (jug), ca. 325–300 b.c.; red-figure
Attributed to the Stuttgart Group
Greek, South Italian, Apulian
Terracotta
Attributed to the Stuttgart Group
Greek, South Italian, Apulian
Terracotta
H. 16 3/4 in. (42.6 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1906 (06.1021.211)
The oinochoe's base is not solid but open, preventing the vase from holding any contents. This intentional perforation of the vase during its production demonstrates that it, like its counterpart 06.1021.209, was intended only for funerary use. The appearance of Nike (Victory) on such a demonstrably funereal vase may reflect the purchaser's belief in an afterlife. The presence of Eros carrying a situla, associated with Dionysos, god of wine, connects the idea of victory over death with the realm of the mystery cults of Dionysos, which promised eternal bliss to its initiates.







