In antiquity, this cup was a functional object, perhaps used to measure wine, oil or grain in a wealthy household. Its practical purpose, however, seems secondary when  More »

In antiquity, this cup was a functional object, perhaps used to measure wine, oil or grain in a wealthy household. Its practical purpose, however, seems secondary when compared to its beauty, and the elegance of its shape. The history of civilization has been a long search to make life better, to raise the human lot above the ordinary. The ancients understood that attention to even the smallest detail, like a household cup, was important. - (PF.0192)   « Less

This simple but elegant little jug perhaps once contained rare oils or balms exported from Greece. Its very size lets us know that the original contents were precious,  More »

This simple but elegant little jug perhaps once contained rare oils or balms exported from Greece. Its very size lets us know that the original contents were precious, something to be dispensed drop by drop. Today, the vessel contains only the elusive perfume of imagination: one whiff and we are swept back in time, to the room where this jug may have sat centuries ago. - (PF.0193)   « Less

This delightful votive resembles both the benevolent Egyptian dwarf god Bes and the Classical fertility deity Priapus. Its function is not erotic, but is designed to bring  More »

This delightful votive resembles both the benevolent Egyptian dwarf god Bes and the Classical fertility deity Priapus. Its function is not erotic, but is designed to bring luck and protection to the person who gave it as a gift to the gods. The connection between fertility figures and worldly happiness is as old as civilization itself, and this is a particularly fine example that blends centuries of diverse tradition. - (PF.0231)   « Less

As we hold such a vessel in our hands today, resting our fingers where those of others lingered centuries ago, we communicate directly with the classical past. We can never  More »

As we hold such a vessel in our hands today, resting our fingers where those of others lingered centuries ago, we communicate directly with the classical past. We can never know who held this cup then, their station in life, or what their dreams were. Yet, we somehow sense their presence on the surface of the cup. As we grasp the handles and tip the vessel in our direction, we are surely echoing that forgotten individual. Through our imagination we can be in touch with a vanished world. - (PF.2071)   « Less

A pyxis was a jar used to hold balms, ointments or other cosmetics. Such vessels adorned the dressing table of every lady of fashion in the Classical world. This delicate  More »

A pyxis was a jar used to hold balms, ointments or other cosmetics. Such vessels adorned the dressing table of every lady of fashion in the Classical world. This delicate example very probably was exported from Athens or Corinth for the pleasure of some Illyrian noblewoman. Its simplicity lends it a timeless elegance. It offers small clues to the life of its ancient owner, to her tastes and habits. As we hold this small token in our hands today, we communicate directly with that long-forgotten individual. - (PF.2083)   « Less

With elegant simplicity, this bowl makes a timeless appeal to the senses. There is not an extraneous element or an unnecessary detail about the piece. Even the quick brush  More »

With elegant simplicity, this bowl makes a timeless appeal to the senses. There is not an extraneous element or an unnecessary detail about the piece. Even the quick brush stroke with which the potter has decorated the rim seems perfect in its asymmetry. As we delight in the graceful curves of this bowl, we share our pleasure with those who first held it centuries ago. - (PF.2153)   « Less

This graceful vessel may once have contained a cosmetic powder and sat among the possessions of a woman of fashion. Even empty, its beauty continues to delight us, as it  More »

This graceful vessel may once have contained a cosmetic powder and sat among the possessions of a woman of fashion. Even empty, its beauty continues to delight us, as it surely did its ancient owner. When we hold its delicate contours up to be admired, we are linked directly to that ancient life. - (PF.3020)   « Less

We frequently view an artifact as though it were an abstract entity that exists separately from the human dimension that shapes its context. Instead of looking at the total  More »

We frequently view an artifact as though it were an abstract entity that exists separately from the human dimension that shapes its context. Instead of looking at the total picture we merely glance at a small fragment. This exquisite trefoil-lipped terracotta vessel was once used as a receptacle for oil or unguents. If we try, we can almost visualize the hands that once held this vessel and poured out its contents. We must remember, furthermore, that these works of art were created and used by people whose hands have long since ceased their toil. This vessel is also noteworthy for its delicate balance of beauty and utility. It exhibits a perfection of form and symmetry, traits that the Greeks admired in everything. The appealing roundness of the vessel is accented by the equidistant vertical grooves in the body. The lip of the vessel is trefoil-shaped and gives an elegant appearance to a fundamentally utilitarian vessel. - (PF.3032)   « Less

Greek ceramic artists created artistic forms so graceful and refined they are still a part of contemporary life. For thousands of years this unique style is synonymous with  More »

Greek ceramic artists created artistic forms so graceful and refined they are still a part of contemporary life. For thousands of years this unique style is synonymous with elegance from facades of buildings to drinking cups. This cup is "classic" in design, with its "winged" handles, gently curved lip and narrow base. The middle section is done in a scroll- like style, adding texture and a floral sense to the entire piece. Under the handles the pattern shifts to a V-shape to accommodate the change in contour, which nicely balances the winged points of the handles. The use of black paint, either as a background or foreground element, is distinctive of Greek ceramics. To hold this vessel excites the imagination in wondering what adventures it witnessed in its journey from Greece to Israel. - (PF.4723)   « Less

This figure is depicted nude except for his sandals. He strides forward with his left leg while both feet are angled downward. One can imagine him frolicking through arcadia,  More »

This figure is depicted nude except for his sandals. He strides forward with his left leg while both feet are angled downward. One can imagine him frolicking through arcadia, entranced by the sounds of his own music. Originally, this work would have included his now-missing instrument. On he head he wears a fillet with projecting leaves over his parted hair, locks of which falls down and frame his neck. There is something quite pastoral about this piece. It touches a part of us all now forgotten in this modern world. It sings of joy and music and celebration. It reveals a time when man and nature were intertwined in an elaborate dance whose song has now unfortunately ended. Yet somewhere in the silence we can still hear the notes of a tune played out on his long lost lyre and reconnect with our pastoral being. - (PF.5556)   « Less