Two lekythoi, one in Philadelphia ( Philadelphia MS5463),[22] the other in Worcester (Worcester 1900.65),[23] illustrate the changes that occurred during the beginning of his Middle phase, a time of great transition in espect to technique (450-445 B.C.). 'Mistress and maid' scenes are still the norm, as illustrated by both vases, and the types of objects shown hanging in the background are the same. Two standing figures, as on the Worcester lekythos (Illustration 18), or one standing and the other sitting, as on the Philadelphia lekythos (Illustration 19), are still the most popular arrangements.

Illustration 18

Illustration 19

Illustration 20

The use of second white, however, disappears, and although it is still used for the figures on the Philadelphia lekythos (Illustration 20 and Illustration 21), it only colors the ribbons in the basket held by the left-hand woman on the Worcester vase (Illustration 22).

Illustration 21

Illustration 22

Illustration 23

Note also the change in tone of the white background, from a creamy off-white to a chalky, brighter hue. Both lekythoi display the painter's new use of dilute, golden glaze. The hair of the figures on the Philadelphia lekythos is brown (Illustration 23 and Illustration 24), not black as earlier (Illustration 25 and Illustration 26), and the color of the ornamental band has changed (Illustration 27).

Illustration 24

Illustration 25

Illustration 26

The palmettes on the shoulder of the Worcester lekythos illustrate the painter's canonical form, with five major leaves for each of the three palmettes and cross-over tendrils originating from the volutes of the central one (Illustration 28). Often additional leaves are added in matt red.

Illustration 27

Illustration 28

Illustration 29

The arrangement on the Early lekythoi has more leaves (Illustration 29) and often resembles that found on many of the painter's red-figure lekythoi (Illustration 30).[24]

Illustration 30

Illustration 31

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[22]ARV2, 996, 143.

[23]ARV2, 997, 151; Beazley Addenda 2, 312.

[24]The shoulder ornament on the lekythos in Philadelphia shows a rare early use of matt paint (Illustration 31).

Part 2 of this Section