Ancient Cypriot Free Field Art (Human Form next to Antelope) 700 – 600 B.C.

https://i.redd.it/kcy22m3ceigd1.jpeg

Posted by TechySpecky

4 Comments

  1. Hi Everyone! I wanted to share this jug as free field Cypriot pieces stylized in this manner are quite rare, there’s an article/write up with more pictures here: [https://www.ancientcyprus.com/articles/free-field-anthropomorphic-forms](https://www.ancientcyprus.com/articles/free-field-anthropomorphic-forms)

    If you know anything about similar pieces please let me know and share them! I am very curious as to what the figure on the right represents or what you think it might represent.

    For more information and for those of you not super familiar with Cypriot material culture:

    The jug is 22cm tall and depicts a free field scene. The scene shows an antelope or deer like animal next to a human shaped figure drawn in an abstract form.

    The Cypriot Iron Age (1050-480 B.C.) introduced new styles of pottery and motifs that deviated from the earlier Bronze Age traditions. The most iconic of these new styles is the Geometric style, characterized by a liberal use of circles, arrows, and other prototypical patterns harmoniously arranged to create captivating artistic compositions.

    However, Cypriot potters, potentially inspired by their neighbors throughout the Levant, soon began to break free from the confines of these Iron Age patterns and ventured into the realm of free field art. This style is distinguished by its intricate, free-flowing forms that allowed for greater artistic expression and experimentation.

    One of the most popular subjects in free field art was the depiction of birds and other animals. However, in very rare cases, human forms were also represented.

  2. man_from_space_91 on

    Can’t we assume its specifically a mouflon (αγρινό) instead of general antelope?

  3. NoWorldliness6080 on

    You should visit Cyprus Museum . I visited today , and you ll see similar jugs and various other items, from broze, to Cyproarchaic and hellenistic period .
    Its really fascinating

    The entrance is free and you can also enjoy a visual art by a young Cypriot artist , using VR system

    We ll soon have a modern Cyprus Museum (around 3 year as I was told) and all archeologicals will be transferred there.