A Large Attic Black-Figured Skyphos, circa late 6th century B.C.

Dikran G. Kelekian Inc., New York

Richard "Max" Miller, Miami, acquired from the above on December 17th, 1951 (and with a letter from Dietrich von Bothmer to Mr. Miller dating February 27th, 1953)

then by descent to the present owner

In a 1953 letter to Max Miller, the former owner of this skyphos, Dietrich von Bothmer wrote: "I received today the photograph of your Greek vase, it is an Attic black-figured skyphos, or drinking cup, of the late VI century B.C. The subject seemed to be a flute-playing maenad surrounded by dancing Maenads. The skyphos belongs to a large group of such vases, many of which were found in Boeotia and it seems that the shape was a favorite with the neighboring Boeotians. Many years ago I saw such a skyphos in the the possession of the late Dikran Kelekian, and I wonder if yours was bought from the Kelekian estate."

Indeed, von Bothmer's memory was fastidious as the piece was purchased from the Kelekian family in 1951. He was likely referring to the CHC group, although this skyphos has never been formally attributed.