Boeotian Black-Figure Lekanai by the Protome and Triton Painters

Twenty-three Boeotian black-figure lekanai are attributed to an artist named the Protome Painter and four others to another named the Triton Painter. The styles of these Painters are similar in so many details that they must be considered as close associates. Another lekane, by an artist whose work combines several aspects inherent to the styles of the Protome and Triton Painters, is used as a foil against which their works are contrasted to illustrate further their close but distinct styles. The vases are datable by two other similarly decorated lekanai from grave groups at Rhitsona and by stylistic comparisons with Attic pottery to the third quarter of the sixth century B.C. or slightly later. The subject matter chosen by the Protome and Triton Painters primarily consists of the array of animals from Attic stock. However, the numerous field ornaments on these lekanai appear to be imitations of East Greek types and are argued to be influenced by contemporary Fikellura ware.