The Biblical drama of Cain and Abel is depicted in relief on a fine grained parian jug by...

The Biblical drama of Cain and Abel is depicted in relief on a fine grained parian jug by Samuel Alcock. Here abandoning his more famous lavender ground, Alcock sets  the figures against a bright blue field. The tapering sides of the jug contain figure groups depicting the murder and the subsequent discovery of Abel's body by the grieving parents. Beneath the spout is the sacrificial altar, scene of the discord between the brothers. The large size of this jug shows off the detail of these scenes to full advantage.

Alcock conveys the lushness of the post-Eden wilderness by adorning the handle with palm tree details, an idea also employed on Alcock's "Camel" jug.

The jug's subject reflects a romantic interest in Biblical subjects, scenes of primitive m...

The jug's subject reflects a romantic interest in Biblical subjects, scenes of primitive man, and Middle Eastern settings. The style of the figures, however, remain true to the classical tradition. Wrathful Cain looks suspiciously like classical depictions of Hercules.

Though famed for his use of color on jugs, Alcock deserves applause as well for the quality of his parian body--hard, bright white, and free of the slight graininess sometimes found in the productions of his rivals.