Watercolors Depicting Two Ancient Greek Ceramics

Pair of Watercolors Depicting Two Ancient Greek Ceramics
19th century, United Kingdom
Watercolor on paper
Sheet dimensions: 33 x 25.5 cm
Framed dimensions: 49.5 x 41 cm
The two vases represented are classified as "red-figure" ceramics, and their style associates them with the corpus of Apulian pottery from the second half of the 4th century BCE.
These watercolors are executed with extraordinary precision and care, even capturing the variations of light on the black glaze of the ceramics. It is also noteworthy that the artist chose original perspectives, thereby avoiding a frontal and monotonous depiction. Given the quality of these works, they were most likely created as on-site studies commissioned by an important client (a museum or a Lord).
First Sheet:
Situla viewed from an elevated ¾ angle, featuring a female figure amidst curling acanthus leaves.
Ink annotation beneath the drawing: Situla antique Greek (late style)
Stamp at the bottom left: A British crown above an octagon inscribed with EXAMINED 1886 3rd CR. CERT
Perforated initials: E.S.K
Second Sheet:
Oinochoe with a decoration of two figures and floral scrolls.
Ink inscription beneath the drawing: Three-lipped Oinochoe – Etruscan (Ruvo) – (debased style)
Perforated initials: E.S.K