Obverse, Europa pleading with Zeus for the life of Sarpedon; Hera, Hypnos, PasitheaReverse, Europa with attendants watching Hypnos and Thanatos bringing the body of Sarpedon
The decoration probably reflects the Europa or Carians, a lost play by the Greek tragedian, Aischylos. The subject of the obverse is unusual and has posed difficulties of identification. The depiction of Sarpedon being transported by Sleep and Death to his native Lycia for burial originated in Athens, possibly with the painter Euphronios, and it assumed some currency on vases. With the numerous props indicating the abode of Zeus and Hera and of the enthroned Europa, the Apulian vase likely represents a specific theatrical interpretation.
