An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Red-Figure Fish Plate: Octopi, Mullet, Bream, Shellfishc. 340–330 BCE
Asteas/Python Workshop
Greek vase painters, active 4th century BCE in Paestum
Although first developed in Athens, red-figure fish plates became especially popular in South Italy and Sicily in the 300s BC. All feature a short foot and a small central depression, but those produced in the workshop of Asteas and Python, like this one, are the largest and most ornate. Archaeologists have closely studied the fish and other sea creatures represented, identifying many of them with species still found (and eaten) in the Mediterranean; included here are octopi, mullet, bream, and various shellfish.
Perfect for serving seafood, this plate features images of sea creatures and a central well for dipping or collecting juices.
ceramic
Diameter: 38.3 cm (15 1/16 in.); Overall: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.); Diameter of foot: 16 cm (6 5/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the soft, golden light of a Mediterranean sunrise, the bustling marketplace of ancient Athens came alive. Fishmongers shouted, vendors promoted their wares, and the salty breeze wafted through the stalls, mingling the scents of fresh fish and lively conversation. It was in this vibrant setting that a remarkable tradition began to emerge—red-figure fish plates.
As the years flowed like the waves upon the shore, these exquisite plates began to find their way southward, taking root in the sun-kissed lands of Southern Italy and Sicily during the 300s BC. Crafted with delicate hands, each plate bore a distinct character; they all showcased a short foot and a small central depression, almost like a gentle cradle for the sea's offerings.
Among the artisans shaping these pieces, the workshop of Asteas and Python stood out, renowned for creating the largest and most ornate iterations of these plates. Their craftsmanship shimmered like the surface of the sea, where every curve and detail captured not only food but a slice of life itself.
Archaeologists, those modern-day storytellers of the past, have taken a keen interest in these plates. They scrutinize the enchanting depictions of fish and sea creatures, recognizing them not just as art but as a glimpse into the daily lives of people long gone. The shapes of octopi, mullet, bream, and various shellfish come alive under their watchful eyes, each species identifiable as it still swims through Mediterranean waters today.
In this way, the red-figure fish plates are not merely artifacts—they are vessels of history, drawing us into a world where art and life intertwined seamlessly, inviting us to witness the deep connections between humans and the bountiful sea.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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