An Attic Red-Figured Bell Krater, attributed to the Painter of Naples H3245, circa 380-360 B.C.

painted with a lively scene showing Dionysos seated amidst six members of his retinue and holding a kantharos and thyrsos, the maenads holding tambourines and wearing richly-decorated chitons, two holding thyrsoi, the third dancing, the three satyrs holding thyrsoi and wearing fawn skins, the seated satyr beneath Dionysos holding a tray of fruits, four young athletes in active postures on the reverse, the details in added white and yellow.

Nostell Priory, Yorkshire, acquired in 1819 (Christie’s, London, Greek and Etruscan Vases from Nostell Priory, April 30th, 1975, no. 53, illus.)
Long Island Private Collection (Sotheby’s, New York, June 12th, 1993, no. 118, illus.)
Japanese Private Collection

Abbé H. Campbell, no. 16
J.D. Beazley, Attic Red-figure Vase-painters, Oxford, 1963, p. 1439, no. 2
T.H. Carpenter, T. Mannack, and M. Mendonca, Beazley Addenda, 2nd ed., Oxford, 1989, p. 377
Beazley Archive Pottery Database, no. 218087, illus.

Generally excellent but there is a long hairline crack (visible in catalogue photo) running from the rim in front down to the meander band below the scene; a small chip is on the rim at the top of the crack. Minor abrasions to the glaze and small chips in areas especially on foot and stem. A long relatively unobtrusive scratch and cracking in the glaze on the reverse, visible adjacent to the figure on the right in the catalogue photo. Some misfiring and discoloration of the glaze in areas.
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.

Attributed by Peter Corbett to the Painter of Naples 3245.