Terracotta hydria: kalpis (water jar)
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta hydria: kalpis (water jar)
- Period: Classical
- Date: 1st quarter of the 4th century BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); diameter 5 7/16 in. (13.9 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
- Object Number: 21.88.162
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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