Woven by the graces. The Pharos Group lekythoi in context

Smith, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0224-428X (2026) Woven by the graces. The Pharos Group lekythoi in context. In: Crafting Ancient Technē: Objects, Images, and Monuments in Context. Studies in Honor of Jenifer Neils. De Gruyter, Berlin. (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

This essay seeks to contextualize the intriguing iconography for which the Pharos Group of sub-Deianeira black-figure lekythoi or oil jars is named. These mid-6th century Attic lekythoi are decorated with pairs or groups of persons sharing a pharos or robe, usually decorated with dot rosettes. While most of these lekythoi lack precise findspots, similar decoration is found on a contemporary group of ‘Nikosthenic’ chalice pyxides found in sanctuaries across the Greek world. The contextualisation of the Pharos group therefore considers the history, evolution, findspots, and usage of both lekythoi and pyxides, and investigates stylistic and iconographic similarities across the hitherto divergent groups of Attic craftspeople that created them. It then seeks to reconnect the imagery with ritual dedications of oil and textiles to the nymphs, graces, Aphrodite, and other deities.

Item Type	Book or Report Section
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/117784
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Classics > Ure Museum Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Classics
Publisher	De Gruyter
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