LONDON.- A remarkable Attic red-figure kylix, a type of ancient Greek drinking cup, featuring a captivating oracle scene and dating back to approximately 470-450 BC, is set to be auctioned by Apollo Art Auctions in their Fine Ancient Art, Antiquities & Jewellery sale on January 25, 2025. The kylix, attributed to the Circle of Douris, carries a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-£80,000.

The interior of this exquisite vessel showcases a scene of profound cultural significance: a seated youth, draped in a himation (cloak), rests on an elegant chair, holding a long wooden stick and a small bag. This imagery strongly suggests an encounter with an oracle, with the youth perhaps seeking guidance or receiving a prophecy. A standing woman, also wearing a himation, likely represents the oracle or a priestess. The scene is carefully framed by a classic staggered meander motif border.

The kylix's exterior is decorated with ten naked athletes in various poses, a common theme on such vessels, reflecting the importance of athletics in ancient Greek society and its connection to religious and cultural life. The combination of athletic and oracular imagery highlights the holistic values of the time, emphasizing both physical and spiritual pursuits.

Stylistic comparisons can be made to similar kylixes held in prestigious museum collections, such as those documented in Attic Vase Paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, no. 125, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 23.160.54), further cementing its place within the artistic traditions of the period.

Measuring 340mm in width and 135mm in height and weighing 690g, the kylix boasts a well-documented provenance. Originating from a private UK collection acquired on the Dutch art market, it was previously part of the Philip Goddard collection (acquired in 1985) and before that, belonged to Christopher Mann in London. An original invoice from 1983 accompanies the piece, providing a clear record of its recent history.

Authentication and dating have been rigorously pursued. The kylix has been checked against the Art Loss Register database, with a confirmation letter provided. Crucially, a thermoluminescence (TL) analysis conducted by Ralf Kotalla has scientifically confirmed its age, dating it to the mid-5th century BC. This scientific evidence, combined with the stylistic attribution to the Circle of Douris, enhances its importance for collectors and scholars.

Adding further academic weight is a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy. This report will provide valuable insights into the kylix's iconography, style, and historical context.

This rare Attic red-figure kylix, offered by Apollo Art Auctions, presents a unique opportunity for collectors and institutions to acquire a significant piece of ancient Greek art, offering a fascinating window into the beliefs and practices of a bygone era.