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Reproduction of the Winged Three-bodied Creature, commonly known as "Bluebeard"

second quarter of the 6th century BCE
Not on view
The counterpart to Herakles Wrestling Triton in the right corner of the Hekatompedon pediment is composed of the torsos of three bearded and winged men emerging from a snaky lower body. Although the subject has been variously identified, it was called "Bluebeard" upon its discovery in 1888, and the nickname has stuck. Gilliéron depicted the rightmost head, which was found separately, both by itself and attached to its body. Rendered at full scale, the figures hold attributes of water, fire, and air, suggesting that they personify these elements, if not some larger cosmic concept.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Reproduction of the Winged Three-bodied Creature, commonly known as "Bluebeard"
  • Artist: Emile Gilliéron père
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: second quarter of the 6th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Watercolor, graphite, and crayon on paper
  • Dimensions: Length: 133 in. (337.8 cm)
    Height: 39 7/8 in. (101.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: Dodge Fund, 1919
  • Object Number: 19.195.1
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Reproduction of the "Great S-spiral frieze" fresco, Emile Gilliéron père, 1911 or early 1912. Swiss, watercolor on paper, Mycenaean
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Emile Gilliéron
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