SOFIA.- On November 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM, the National Historical Museum will host the official presentation of the highly anticipated monograph Red-Figure Pottery from the Necropolis of Apollonia Pontica (Sozopol) in the Collection of the National Historical Museum. The publication, authored by Dr. Lyubava Konova, explores one of Bulgaria's richest collections of ancient painted pottery, featuring over 100 red-figure vessels from the 5th–4th centuries BCE.

A Treasure from Apollonia Pontica

The artifacts in focus were excavated from Apollonia Pontica (modern-day Sozopol) during the National Historical Museum's archaeological campaigns in the 1990s. While some of these items have been displayed in the museum’s permanent exhibition or temporary shows since 1994, they have never before been comprehensively published in a single volume.

Dr. Konova’s monograph provides an in-depth analysis of 103 red-figure vessels, contextualizing them within their archaeological and broader cultural-historical significance. The study aims to reconstruct the roles these objects played in funerary rites, as well as their layered symbolism. The vessels depict deities such as Dionysus, Aphrodite, Eros, Nike, and Athena, along with mythological figures and scenes, and even rituals performed during various occasions.

A Reflection of Ancient Values

A key theme in the monograph is the perception of these artifacts by the ancients. Were these vessels viewed as luxurious art objects valued for their craftsmanship and societal prestige, or as carriers of visual narratives, some of which devolved into clichés over time? The monograph draws parallels between the imagery on the vessels and the theatrical traditions of classical Athens, suggesting that these objects served as influential mediums for disseminating Athenian values.

The study also highlights the unique adaptations made by the multicultural community of Apollonia Pontica, reflecting a blend of local and Mediterranean influences. These interpretations reveal the tastes, preferences, and identities of this ancient Thracian coastal city.

Features of the Publication

The monograph includes 233 full-color illustrations, 10 tables, and charts detailing the context of the artifacts, clay composition, and statistical analyses. Although primarily intended for a scholarly audience, the book will also appeal to history and culture enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of ancient societies in modern-day Bulgaria.