Terracotta hydria: kalpis (water jar)

Greek, Attic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

Poseidon riding a sea horse and a youth

This unassuming vase presents the two protagonists in one of the major Greek myths. The sea god Poseidon became enamored of Pelops, son of Tantalos. When Pelops came to Pisa, in Elis, he fell in love with Hippodameia, daughter of king Oinomaos. Oinomaos eliminated his daughter's suitors by besting them in a chariot race. Here, Pelops asks Poseidon for horses that will permit him to win his prize.

Terracotta hydria: kalpis (water jar), Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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