Greek Medical Scene Vase with Erotes - Red figure aryballos

Greek Medical Scene Vase with Erotes - Red figure aryballosRed figure perfumed oil flask by the Clinique painter This hand painted vase is a faithful reproduction of an ancient Attic red figure aryballos (perfumed oil flask) attributed to the Clinique Painter, depicting a rare medical scene. Louvre Museum CA 1989 ; CA 2183), c. 480470 BC. The composition captures a moment inside an ancient medical clinic. At the centre, a young man draped in a himation sits on a klismos chair, extending his arm toward a

Red figure perfumed oil flask by the Clinique painter 

This hand-painted vase is a faithful reproduction of an ancient Attic red-figure aryballos (perfumed oil flask) attributed to the Clinique Painter, depicting a rare medical scene.
Louvre Museum CA 1989 ; CA 2183), c. 480–470 BC.

The composition captures a moment inside an ancient medical clinic. At the centre, a young man draped in a himation sits on a klismos chair, extending his arm toward a bearded figure leaning on a staff, suggesting care and treatment. A bronze bowl rests at their feet, while surrounding figures — seated or gesturing — animate the scene with quiet dialogue.

In the background, a bearded dwarf carrying a hare — perhaps a gift or payment to the physician — adds a vivid and human dimension to the scene.

On the shoulder, two nude Erotes with pale hairbands fly toward one another, a subtle symbol of love and healing.

Rendered with great attention to detail, this aryballos stands as both an artistic and historical testament to ancient craftsmanship.

The photographs illustrate different phases of the vase’s reproduction over time. The most recent version represents a new interpretative attempt to reconstruct missing parts of the original scene. The latest version reflects an informed reconstruction of lacunae in the original composition, based on stylistic analysis and archaeological knowledge.

First produced at the ATTIC BLACK workshop in December 2019. See also November 2025 blogpost

Dimensions H: 9,3 cm, Max D : 9,2 cm