Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup) in the form of the heads of Herakles and of a woman

Attributed to Class M: Vatican Class of Head Vases

ca. 470 BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

Obverse, Athena seated between two women
Reverse, symposium (drinking party)

Athena, flanked by two seated women who must also be deities, overlooks the head of her favorite hero, Herakles, identifiable by the lion's skin around his neck. This amusing cup would have enlivened drinking parties like the one shown on the other side above the female head.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup) in the form of the heads of Herakles and of a woman
Artist: Attributed to the Syriskos Painter
Artist: Attributed to Class M: Vatican Class of Head Vases
Period: Classical
Date: ca. 470 BCE
Culture: Greek, Attic
Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Classification: Vases
Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1896
Object Number: 96.18.77
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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