Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
Obverse, Athena, Athanasia, the wounded Tydeus with the head of Melanippos
Reverse, satyr
The obverse depicts a remarkable, and key, episode in the myth of the Seven against Thebes. Eteokles and Polyneices, sons of Oedipus, join a force to regain control of their city, Thebes. Tydeus, an ally, was morally wounded by Melanippos, a Theban. Athena had intended to heal and confer immortality on Tydeus. As she approached, she saw Tydeus gnawing the head of Melanippos, and revolted by his action, she departed, taking Athanasia with her. The krater shows the failing Tydeus with Melanippos' head at his feet and Athena drawing away Athanasia, who raises her hands in horror.
Reverse, satyr
The obverse depicts a remarkable, and key, episode in the myth of the Seven against Thebes. Eteokles and Polyneices, sons of Oedipus, join a force to regain control of their city, Thebes. Tydeus, an ally, was morally wounded by Melanippos, a Theban. Athena had intended to heal and confer immortality on Tydeus. As she approached, she saw Tydeus gnawing the head of Melanippos, and revolted by his action, she departed, taking Athanasia with her. The krater shows the failing Tydeus with Melanippos' head at his feet and Athena drawing away Athanasia, who raises her hands in horror.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 440–430 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. as restored 11 1/4 in. (28.7 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
- Object Number: 12.229.14a, b, f, g, i, j, k
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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