Unknown
Greek

Grave Marker in the Form of a Loutrophoros, 4th c. BCE, second half
marble
80 in.

SBMA, Gift of Wright S. Ludington
1941.2.34









COMMENTS

Vases of this type in bronze or terra cotta decorated in red or black figured marriage or funerary scenes were used in Attica as early as the 4th century B.C. They were used to carry sacred water for the nuptial bath and for washing the body before burial. A closest relative boy usually carried the water. This marble version replicates the bronze/ terra-cotta vases and was used as a grave marker for unmarried persons.

This funerary loutrophoros, long the centerpiece of the SBMA entry gallery, has been extensively restored from the decorative handles upward (entirely modern). More than half the footed base is also restoration. The vase now stands on a modern cylindrical base of wood. Utilitarian loutrophoroi were not of this monumental size needing to be small enough for hand carrying water. Sizes varied. Nor did they have the elaborate and somewhat delicate volute handles of this grave marker loutrophoros.

- Mario A. Del Chiaro, Classical Art Sculpture, SBMA, pp.23-24