Minoan Octopus Amphora
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The Octopus Amphora was created by the Minoans around 1500 b.c. The Minoans, precursors of the Greeks, occupied the islands of Crete and Santorini, as well as having colonies and settlements in Asia Minor and possibly on the central Mediterranean coasts as well. The amphora shape evolved over the centuries, but always retained a rounded middle, handles and a wide- lipped mouth to facilitate pouring. Amphoras were used for storage and transport, although those found in shipwrecks normally had a very narrow bottom which facilitated loading and packing on the ships even though the amphoras themselves could not stand on their own. This vase represents a style of Minoan painting when the colors used went from bright tones to more sober black and dark brown and white, with touches of red and yellow. The octopus, a favorite theme of Minoan vase and fresco painting, floats among seaweed and urchins in a free floating, off-center, naturalistic style. The artist really uses the entire vase as a canvas and does not restrict himself to a strict zone like in later art periods in that part of the world. |
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