A Large Attic Black-figured Amphora and Lid with the Apotheosis of Herakles, attributed to the Antimenes Painter or his Manner, circa 520-510 B.C.

with foot in two degrees, decorated in front with Athena stepping into her quadriga and holding a spear, Herakles holding a club and bow, Dionysos holding vine branches, and Hermes leading the team, and on the back with Apollo kitharoidos accompanied by a feline and flanked on either side by a goddess and satyr, inscriptions in the field, a palmette-and-lotus chain above each scene, rays above the foot, ivy on the sides of the handles, the lid with ivy border and rays below the knob; the details in added red and white.

Dr. Leo Mildenberg, Zurich
French private collection, acquired from the above in 1971 (Sotheby's, New York, December 10th, 2009, no. 28, illus.)

Christie's, London, Faces from the Ancient World: A European Private Collection, April 20th, 2005, no. 90, illus.
Beazley Archive Pottery Database, no. 9021738

Repaired from mostly large fragments with some minor restorations along the breaklines and small areas of fill not significantly affecting the painted scenes, lid (probably not belonging) also repaired and with areas of fill including one three inch-long restored area along perimeter. Lower part of side B somewhat misfired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

John Boardman writes (Athenian Black Figure Vases, New York, 1974, p. 109) that the Antimenes Painter “continues the tradition of straightforward narrative exemplified by the artists of Group E, but with a remarkable range of scenes. Few of them may be of his own invention, but his presentation of them is telling and explicit…the compositions are neatly observed and simple, rarely with overlapping figures except of men and horses or dancing couples. Herakles is his especial favorite…the mass and proportion of his figures show him to be a master with the brush.”

See detail of side A on p. 6.