Terracotta hydria (water jar)
The abduction of Persephone by Hades surrounded by gods
The myth of the abduction of Persephone was situated in Sicily. Hades’ chariot occupies the most prominent area of the vase. All around appear deities connected with the event—Zeus, Hades’ brother, whose sanction was needed; Aphrodite and Eros, abettors of Hades’ desire; Demeter, Persephone’s mother; torch-bearing Hecate; and Athena. The vegetation in the scene and the choice of a water jar as the shape emphasize the aspect of fertility in the story. Mythological subjects such as this commonly decorated funerary vases.
The myth of the abduction of Persephone was situated in Sicily. Hades’ chariot occupies the most prominent area of the vase. All around appear deities connected with the event—Zeus, Hades’ brother, whose sanction was needed; Aphrodite and Eros, abettors of Hades’ desire; Demeter, Persephone’s mother; torch-bearing Hecate; and Athena. The vegetation in the scene and the choice of a water jar as the shape emphasize the aspect of fertility in the story. Mythological subjects such as this commonly decorated funerary vases.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta hydria (water jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the Group of B.M. F 308
- Period: Late Classical
- Date: ca. 340–330 BCE
- Culture: Greek, South Italian, Apulian
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: 29 3/4 × 22 1/2 × 17 3/4 in. (75.6 × 57.2 × 45.1 cm)
Diam. of foot: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Diam. of rim: 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Gift of Miss Matilda W. Bruce, 1907
- Object Number: 07.128.1
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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