Crowded Munich King's Square, featuring prominent figure Fat Olla and a large group of attractive males
In the heart of Munich, the State Antiquities Collection is hosting a special exhibition titled "Forma. Beauty and Functionality of Greek Vases," where Prof. Dr. Berthold Schneider and his wife Dr. Eva-Maria Schneider are presenting their collection of ancient Greek ceramics to the public for the first time.
The Daunians, an eastern people, migrated to the south around 1100/1000 BC, and their influence is evident in the Daunian potters' unique creations. One such example is a large Daunian vessel, which is the "largest known example" of its kind and originates from southern Italy, specifically from the cultural area of the Daunians in northern Apulia.
While the exhibition features a black-bearded Hercules from the same time and region, it's important to note that this Hercules is not a vase but a perfume bottle for body care. The Daunian olla, on the other hand, is not Greek but a creation of the Daunian potters. This vessel, with its rim heavily figured and sloping inward, showcases the Daunians' distinct style, different from Italian ethnic groups.
The Daunians crafted unique round vessels, which were called "olla." One such "olla" in the Schneiders' collection, with four little horse figures as a handle, is considered monumental and one of the "greatest representatives of its kind."
The exhibition also highlights the link between ceramics and music. Members of the Schneider family, known for their passion for music, have collected ceramics related to music, such as an Attic red-figure vase depicting a boy playing the auloi, a double wind instrument. This connection between ceramics and music was emphasized by Professor Dr. Berthold Schneider and Dr. Eva-Maria Schneider, who combined their interest in ancient Greek ceramics with their love and practice of music.
Horses, symbolising the status of the upper class in ancient Greece, much like Bentleys in modern times, are also featured in the Schneiders' collection. The Attic, late-geometric Schneider collection's "horse pyxis" is a testament to this.
The identities of the four animal heads on the vessel remain uncertain; they are either bulls or rams, but their large ears suggest they might be bats. Meanwhile, a red-figure vase from around 480 BC in the Schneiders' collection shows a boy playing the aulos.
The exhibition, open daily except Monday from 10 am to 5 pm until October 19, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of ancient Greek ceramics, showcasing their beauty, functionality, and the rich cultural history they represent. The collection will become the property of the Bavarian State Art Collection, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate.
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