Black-Figure Storage Jar (Amphora) and Lid with Dionysos and Hunters

Dionysos is one of the most familiar gods in Greek mythology. He is the divinity who presides over wine, ecstasy, and fertility. His domain also stretches to that of the natural world, agriculture. and winemaking.  Although Dionysos inspires irrational states that take his followers outside the regulated behaviors of society, he is never represented as drunk or frenzied himself. He represents the wilder side of human nature, but also models a sense of balance. 

The scenes that decorate the two sides of this vessel are very similar, but not identical. The bearded god wears an ivy wreath and holds a drinking horn and is surrounded by a group of hunters, identifiable by their spears and dogs  No specific myth is depicted; rather, the subject matter is the natural harmony that occurs in sacred gatherings. The hunters receive the benevolent protection of the divinity as they prepare to embark (or return from) their hunt. Unlike the depictions of ecstatic celebrations that appear on other Dionysian vessels, the two groups on this pot are presented in a restrained and dignified manner. It is possible the same group of hunters is depicted at two separate times, and that they are experiencing some kind of transformation. 

This subject matter is also characteristic of the painter of the vase, who is known as the Amasis Painter.  His style is distinctive, and more than 140 vessels have been attributed to his hand. Since eleven of these works are signed with the name of the potter ‘Amasis,’ the painter is identified as the ‘Amasis Painter.’  He depicted many scenes from daily life, as well as Dionysos. This depiction of a Dionysian gathering of hunters is an interesting example of the combination of two of the artist’s favored subjects.