A Campanian Red-figured Neck Amphora, attributed to the Whiteface Group, circa 340-320 B.C.

with disk foot, twisted handles, and lip in two degrees, the body painted in front with a seated figure of Dionysos holding a patera and thyrsos and flanked by a female and male attendant, and on the reverse with a youth offering a wreath to another youth, encircling meander band below the scenes, palmettes in the handle zones, tongues on the shoulder, a woman's head in profile on each side of the neck, details in added yellow and white.

French private collection, 19th Century
French private collection, acquired in the 1960s/1970s
acquired at auction in France by the current owner

Four-inch long fragment repaired or restored on rim. One handle repaired in two places. Two large fragments repaired along edge of foot. Hairline crack in glaze at top of foot. Underside of rim almost entirely painted over in black. Extensive flaking to glaze on handles. Except for lower body, entire vase is covered in varnish, which has turned yellowish/brown over time, especially over shoulder and neck. Black glaze appears to be retouched in several areas, but discoloured varnish makes them hard to spot. Minor flaking to details highlighted in white and yellow (added after firing).
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For another amphora probably by the same hand cf. K. Schauenburg, Studien zur unteritalischen Vasenmalerei, vol. 13, figs. 68a,b (Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples, inv. no. 127957).