Hi,
Thank you for signing up for “The 7 Wonders of the Art World,” a special series from Museum Replicas. Over the next several days, we’ll bring you the behind-the-scenes stories and little known secrets of 7 of the world’s greatest works of art. As you read, you’re sure to make some intriguing discoveries. We’re thrilled to have you with us!
| Euphronios krater |
Without further ado, let’s begin with our first wonder…
The very instant former Met Museum director Thomas Hoving first laid eyes on the magnificent Greek vase, he knew he was looking at a treasure that would rock the art world to its very foundations.
“Most [art] is kind of routine,” Hoving says, in a recent feature for Artnet magazine. “Decent, but not unique samplers of whatever culture. Footnotes.” But…
“A tiny handful are real masterworks… these are the ones that will last forever. They are works that’ll change your life when you see them for the first time and will addict you for the rest of your life.”
Thomas Hoving was fully aware that the vase the world would come to know as the Euphronios krater was just such a piece. He also had a sneaking suspicion it had been stolen…
Most art devotees are unaware that the Euphronios krater is actually the genius of two masters: potter Euxitheos and painter Euphronios. Pottery was so common in Ancient Greece (the Euphronios krater dates back to 515 BC) that potters rarely signed their work. The presence of both signatures indicates that even the artists knew this krater was perhaps their finest moment.
Out of the 27 vases Euphronios painted in his lifetime, only the Euphronios krater remains.
Hoving believes that the Euphronios krater may be the greatest masterpiece on display in any of New York City’s museums. And that may be true – for now. Hoving’s initial suspicions proved correct: the Euphronios krater was looted from an Etruscan tomb near Rome. In 2006, Metropolitan Museum of Art officials signed an agreement returning ownership to Italy.
Unfortunately for New York City, her finest masterpiece will eventually return to Italy. But you don’t need to hop on a plane to gaze in wonder at the Euphronios krater. With a little help from Museum Replicas, you can enjoy a stunning replica – virtually indistinguishable from the vase that stunned Mr. Hoving in 1972 – in your home or office.
And unlike Mr. Hoving, you won’t have any doubts as to your vase’s legality. Like all artwork available from Museum Replicas, the Euphronios krater is safely in the public domain. Your replica will be 100% legal and above-board. Of course, you can choose whether to reveal the secret, or to let your friends wonder…
The Euphronios krater is just one of dozens of Greek vases we faithfully reproduce at Museum Replicas. Every single piece is a replica of an actual historic vessel from a museum or other collection. Browse our selection on our website:
http://www.museum-replicas.com/p-217-euphronios-krater-vase.aspx
The original Euphronios krater was made for mixing strong wine and water – nearly 12 gallons worth. Your replica will be expertly crafted to the dimensions you choose.
As always, we use the methods and materials used by the original artists whenever possible. In this case, we’ll draw on traditions of pottery and painting that are over 2,500 years old. The result? Museum quality workmanship you’ll be proud of and that your friends will admire.
Order your replica of the Euphronios krater right on our website:
http://www.museum-replicas.com/p-217-euphronios-krater-vase.aspx
Or, if you’d prefer, give us a call at 866-472-4090 or 517 347-7983. You may also email us at info@museumreplicas.com – we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
In the next email, you’ll meet an extraordinary young woman who captured the heart of an Impressionist master and became the most famous dancer in the world.
Artfully yours,
Maria Tindemans
PS: Don’t see the piece you want on our website? Whether it’s a masterpiece that captured your imagination in a museum or a vase in a private collection that has tickled your fancy, we can bring it to your home. Just give us a call at 866-472-4090 or 517 347-7983 to discuss your custom project.
