1. Laconian Art Mrs Graham’s Ancient History

2. Plutarch on Sparta
“…..Thus gradually cut off from the things that animate and feed it, luxury atrophied of its own accord…….As a result their craftmenship of everyday essential items of furniture like beds and chairs and tables was first rate, and the Laconian kothon or drinking cup, according to Critias, is especially valued for use on campaigns. Visibly off putting elements in water which had to be drunk were concealed by its colour, while the dirt in the liquid was trapped by the lip, so that when it reached the mouth for drinking was cleaner”.

3. Laconian drinking cups
Laconian drinking cups were famous. The edge contained a lip which prevented any wine solids from reaching the mouth.
Laconian cups reveal, interest in banquets, festivals, ritual, horseriding and hunting
Many scenes are painted by a figure who has been named the Hunt Painter
The distinctive black figure pottery was the product of only two identified workshops, most of whose output was exported
Much of the evidence of art comes from the shrine of Artemis Orthia

4. Hunters killing a boar- 555BC

5. Laconian cup, depicting the Rider Naucratis 560-550BC

6. Warrior killing a serpent- 550 BC

7. Two soldiers carrying a slain warrior- 6th century- Berlin Museum

8. The Arkesilas cup, found in central Italy, which shows scenes of trade or tribute in Dorian Cyrene- mid 6th century

10. Laconian Drinking Cup

11. Heracles defeating the bull- 550 BC

12. Amphora of the 7th century, from a grave, shows hunting and battle scenes

13. Laconian Krater BC

14. Cylix depicting Odysseus.

15. The son of Typhonas -560 BC

16. The blinding of Polyphemos by Odysseus and companians- 550BC

17. The Titans Atlas and Prometheus punished by Zeus 550BC

18. Fragment of a Pythos found at Sparta – 6th century

19. Spartan Sculptors in bronze, terracotta and ivory.
Significant archaeology suggests scupltors were active both at home and at Olympia and Delphi during the 6th century
At least 9 scupltors were known
Spartan bronze products were of such high quality that they were viewed as valuable diplomatic gifts
Spartan bronzes generally depicted women, hoplites or particular heroes such as Leonidas

20. Bronze Hoplite statuette 500BC

21. Spartan soldier

22. Statuette in bronze of Leonidas

23. Bronze Spartan Runner- 520 BC- British Museum

24. Ivory and Bone Carvings.
The use of ivory and bone, seem to dissappear after the 6th century
Many examples have been found at the site of Artemis Orthia.
Carvings generally are either, plaques carved in relief, obnjects of personel adornment, such as broaches, combs or mirrors or figures of Orthia

25. Plaques carved in relief in ivory. Soldiers leaving for battle