Albert Genick, Greek Bottles & Drinking Cup Color Lithograph, 1883, Lithograph

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Antique Greek Bottles & Drinking Cup Color Lithograph, 1883 Original antique color lithograph depicting four ancient Greek bottles and a … Read more Antique Greek Bottles & Drinking Cup Color Lithograph, 1883 Original antique color lithograph depicting four ancient Greek bottles and a distinctive stemmed drinking cup, published in Berlin in 1883 as part of Albert Genick’s monumental work on Greek ceramics. This impressive large-format archaeological plate is titled “1–4 Flaschen – 5 Becher” and presents five contrasting examples of ancient Greek ceramic design. At upper left is an elegant two-handled bottle decorated with a complex polychrome frieze incorporating figures, animals and ornamental motifs in black, cream and muted red. Beside it is a striking circular-bodied vessel with twin handles, its terracotta surface decorated with bold concentric circles and restrained geometric bands. The lower-left bottle is among the most unusual and colorful objects on the plate. Its elongated body is decorated with highly stylized animals, plants and abstract motifs in red, black and cream, creating a remarkably modern graphic effect. At lower right is a slender bottle decorated with a classical figural scene showing several draped figures. Geometric and checkerboard ornament decorates the neck above the principal scene. The large central object is identified as a Becher, or drinking cup. Its extraordinary stemmed form incorporates two small handles and bold symmetrical ornament, giving it an almost sculptural appearance. The variety of shapes, unusual polychrome decoration and combination of figural, animal and abstract motifs make this a particularly interesting plate from Genick’s series. The print originates from the second edition of Albert Genick’s important publication on Greek ceramics, published by Ernst Wasmuth in Berlin in 1883. The complete work comprised a series of large color lithographic plates illustrating amphorae, kraters, hydriae, kantharoi, kylikes, bottles, drinking vessels and numerous other examples of ancient Greek ceramic art. The lithographs were produced by the Berlin printing establishment Hein & Mosler. Albert Genick (1837–1906), a Berlin-trained architect, became particularly known for his precise graphic documentation of ancient ceramics. This publication is regarded as his principal work. Complete examples are rare, and individual plates from the series are increasingly difficult to find. Creator: Albert Genick (1837–1906) Publisher: Ernst Wasmuth, Berlin Printer: Hein & Mosler, Berlin Plate: XXXVIII Title on plate: 1–4 Flaschen – 5 Becher Date: 1883 Edition: Second edition Technique: Color lithograph Origin: Germany Sheet size: Approximately 68 x 46 cm (26.8 x 18.1 inches) Orientation: Portrait Period: Late 19th Century Style: Neoclassical / Archaeological Revival Condition: Good antique condition. The polychrome decoration remains attractive and well preserved. Age-related toning with scattered foxing and spotting, more noticeable through the central and right portions of the sheet. Minor edge wear and slight irregularities consistent with age. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition . An original antique lithograph printed in 1883, not a modern reproduction. The print is offered unframed. Any framed or interior images, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Additional companion plates from Albert Genick’s series are available separately. Reference: Brand/Evers 597. Keywords: Albert Genick, Greek bottles, Greek drinking cup, Greek pottery, ancient Greek pottery, Greek ceramics, Greek vessels, Flaschen, Becher, ancient Greek bottles, Greek cup, polychrome pottery, animal decoration, classical figures, Greek vase print, geometric pottery, archaeological print, archaeological illustration, classical antiquity, ancient Greece, Greek art, ancient vessels, classical pottery, neoclassical decor, Archaeological Revival, antique lithograph, color lithograph, ceramic art, Greek Revival, Grand Tour, Ernst Wasmuth, Hein Mosler, Berlin 1883, 19th century print, museum style decor See less