Archaic Free Field Art
During the Cypro-Archaic period (c. 750-475 BC), the 'Free Field' style emerged, showcasing animals and figures against a plain background, heralding a more narrative approach to art and a departure from strict geometric patterns.
700 BC – 575 BC
Free Field Bird Oinochoe
Free Field Bird
Provenance:
- Major Alessandro Palma di Cesnola (1839–1914); from his excavations in Cyprus 1876-79, likely in Ormidhia
- Lieut-General Fox Pitt-Rivers (1827-1900), Dorset, UK; acquired 1st June 1883, and held in his museum room IV, from 8th August 1896
- George Henry Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers (1890-1966), Dorset, UK; by descent from the above
- Stella Pitt-Rivers (1913-1994), Dorset, UK; from the above
- Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK; acquired 24th February 1975, stock number E4614
- Dr. Ian Mueller, Chicago, USA; acquired May 1976 from the above
- Harlan J Berk, New York
- Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK, acquired 25th July 2016
- Margaret Janet Bourne, Surrey, UK; acquired from the above 26th October 2018
- Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK
- 2025 - Current, Alexis Drakopoulos, acquired at TEFAF Maastricht 2025
750 BC – 575 BC
Free Field Anthropomorphic Date Palm Oinochoe
Ancient Cypriot Jug in the Free Field Style (circa 700-600 B.C.) The jug (Oinochoe) is 22cm tall and depicts a free field scene. The scene shows an antelope or deer like animal next to a human shaped figure drawn in an abstract form. The Cypriot Iron Age (1050-480 B.C.) introduced new styles of pottery and motifs that deviated from the earlier Bronze Age traditions. The most iconic of these new styles is the Geometric style, characterized by a liberal use of circles, arrows, and other prototypical patterns harmoniously arranged to create captivating artistic compositions. However, Cypriot potters, potentially inspired by their neighbors throughout the Levant, soon began to break free from the confines of these Iron Age patterns and ventured into the realm of free field art. This style is distinguished by its intricate, free-flowing forms that allowed for greater artistic expression and experimentation. One of the most popular subjects in free field art was the depiction of birds and other animals. However, in very rare cases, human forms were also represented. This ancient Cypriot jug, dating back to circa 700-600 B.C., is one such exceptional example. Alongside a more commonly seen antelope, we find an abstract representation of a human figure. The identity and significance of this human form remain enigmatic. While it is tempting to interpret the figure as a deity or shaman and assign religious meaning, conclusive evidence supporting such claims is scarce. The scarcity of parallels to this human representation in contemporary Cypriot pottery adds to the enigma surrounding its meaning and purpose. Further research and comparative analysis with other artifacts from the region and period may shed light on the intended symbolism behind this intriguing figure.
Provenance:
- 1980s - 2023, Henry Sandon, UK
- 2024 - Present, Alexis Drakopoulos, London, UK
700 BC – 575 BC
Kylix Fragments with Bichrome Stags
Kylix Fragments with Bichrome Stags
Provenance:
- Goodman Collection, 1960s - 2025
- 2025 - Present, Alexis Drakopoulos, London, UK
1050 BC – 600 BC
Free Field Bird Oinochoe
Oinochoe (Jug) picturing a free field bird reaching to eat a fish. The bird and fish were originally in Bichrome style. Most of the damage is modern due to a large fire which burned a collection.
Provenance:
- ???? - September 2000, Galerie Samarcand, Paris, France
- Charles Ede, stock number 5128
- 200X? - 2024, Private Cambridgeshire Collection, UK
- 2024 - Present, Alexis Drakopoulos, London, UK
700 BC – 575 BC
Large Archaic Plate
Fragmental well decorated plate from the archaic period.
Provenance:
- Goodman Collection, 1960s - 2025
- 2025 - Present, Alexis Drakopoulos, London, UK