Attic red-figured hydria attributed to the Pan painter Source: Becchina archive. Courtesy: Dr Christos Tsirogannis. |
The auction catalogue provides the following history for the piece:
- with Holger Termer, Hamburg. Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1986.
The Beazley Archive (BAPD 29055) is a little more cautious: 'Old woman (Hekale) with phiale at kalathos, youth with chlamys, spears and pilos (Theseus ?)'. It also provides the information that the attribution was by Martin Robertson.
The invoice in the Becchina archive is dated to the 26 January 1987, though a proforma of 12 December 1986 is also recorded. The invoice suggests that the scene possibly represents Oedipus and Teiresias.
Who is the present owner of the hydria? Is it the person or gallery who acquired it from Termer in 1986 (sic.)? Or did Palladion sell it on to a further party? Were Christie's unaware of the Becchina link? What had the due diligence search found?
It should be noted that the same sale at Christie's has other Termer pieces. What are their full histories?
It would be helpful if the full history of the hydria was to be disclosed. In any case, when did the hydria first surface? Is there any evidence that it was known prior to 1970?
Where were hydriai attributed to the Pan painter found?
- Athens: 1
- Padula: 1
- Vulci: 1
- Vulci (presumably, said to be): 1
- Capua (presumably, said to be): 1
- Nola (presumably, said to be): 1
- Metapontum: 1
Italy is a likely find-spot.