Laconian Art Mrs Graham’s Ancient History

Plutarch on Sparta “…..Thus gradually cut off from the things that animate and feed it, luxury atrophied of its own accord…….As a result their craftmenship of everyday essential items of furniture like beds and chairs and tables was first rate, and the Laconian kothon or drinking cup, according to Critias, is especially valued for use on campaigns. Visibly off putting elements in water which had to be drunk were concealed by its colour, while the dirt in the liquid was trapped by the lip, so that when it reached the mouth for drinking was cleaner”.

Laconian drinking cups Laconian drinking cups were famous. The edge contained a lip which prevented any wine solids from reaching the mouth. Laconian cups reveal, interest in banquets, festivals, ritual, horseriding and hunting Many scenes are painted by a figure who has been named the Hunt Painter The distinctive black figure pottery was the product of only two identified workshops, most of whose output was exported Much of the evidence of art comes from the shrine of Artemis Orthia

Hunters killing a boar- 555BC

Laconian cup, depicting the Rider Naucratis 560-550BC

Warrior killing a serpent- 550 BC

Two soldiers carrying a slain warrior- 6th century- Berlin Museum

The Arkesilas cup, found in central Italy, which shows scenes of trade or tribute in Dorian Cyrene- mid 6th century

Laconian Drinking Cup

Heracles defeating the bull- 550 BC

Amphora of the 7th century, from a grave, shows hunting and battle scenes

Laconian Krater-575-550 BC

Cylix depicting Odysseus.

The son of Typhonas -560 BC

The blinding of Polyphemos by Odysseus and companians- 550BC

The Titans Atlas and Prometheus punished by Zeus 550BC

Fragment of a Pythos found at Sparta – 6th century

Spartan Sculptors in bronze, terracotta and ivory. Significant archaeology suggests scupltors were active both at home and at Olympia and Delphi during the 6th century At least 9 scupltors were known Spartan bronze products were of such high quality that they were viewed as valuable diplomatic gifts Spartan bronzes generally depicted women, hoplites or particular heroes such as Leonidas

Bronze Hoplite statuette 500BC

Spartan soldier

Statuette in bronze of Leonidas

Bronze Spartan Runner- 520 BC- British Museum

Ivory and Bone Carvings. The use of ivory and bone, seem to dissappear after the 6th century Many examples have been found at the site of Artemis Orthia. Carvings generally are either, plaques carved in relief, obnjects of personel adornment, such as broaches, combs or mirrors or figures of Orthia

Plaques carved in relief in ivory. Soldiers leaving for battle