A Campanian Red-figured Hydria, attributed to the APZ Painter, circa 3rd quarter of the 4th Century B.C.

painted with a woman seated on a folding stool and holding a necklace or wreath, Eros behind her holding a phiale, the female attendant at left holding a phiale above an altar, a female profile head beneath each lifting handle, a large palmette flanked by scrolls on the back, the details in added white and yellow.

Sotheby’s, New York, November 24th-25th, 1987, no. 171, illus.

As shown and described. Note that the foot of the hydria sits on a modern black-painted turned wood base. The foot is glued back on to the body of the vessels with no attempt at concealing the join. The top of the rim has chips and abrasions and remnants of plaster from when it was attached to the lamp fixture. The added white paint is worn and abraded in areas and some of the details are a bit hard to read possibly due to the fact that the vase needs a cleaning. The handle has a slight crack and area of incrustation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The attribution to the APZ Painter by Professor A.D. Trendall, April 1987 (verbal communication).

For related examples cf. M.E. Mayo and K. Hamma, eds., The Art of South Italy, Vases from Magna Graecia, Richmond, Virginia, 1982, nos. 92, 94 and 95.

The hydria was formerly mounted and wired as an electric lamp.