Terracotta pelike (jar)
Obverse, Musaios
Reverse, Herakles and Deianeira
The workshop of the Meidias Painter was the major source of large pots during the last two decades of the fifth century B.C. This masterpiece exemplifies his ability to accommodate delicate, elaborate compositions to large, sturdy shapes. Musaios, a mythical musician, is characterized here as Thracian by his long-sleeved tunic and high fur boots. Below him, to the left, appear his wife, Deiope, and his son, Eumolpos. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is shown with Peitho, the personification of persuasion, in addition to five muses. The idyllic quality of the scene continues on the reverse where Deianeira, the wife of Herakles, reveals herself to her husband. The emphasis is on respite and glory rather than the toils of Herakles' life.
Reverse, Herakles and Deianeira
The workshop of the Meidias Painter was the major source of large pots during the last two decades of the fifth century B.C. This masterpiece exemplifies his ability to accommodate delicate, elaborate compositions to large, sturdy shapes. Musaios, a mythical musician, is characterized here as Thracian by his long-sleeved tunic and high fur boots. Below him, to the left, appear his wife, Deiope, and his son, Eumolpos. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is shown with Peitho, the personification of persuasion, in addition to five muses. The idyllic quality of the scene continues on the reverse where Deianeira, the wife of Herakles, reveals herself to her husband. The emphasis is on respite and glory rather than the toils of Herakles' life.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta pelike (jar)
- Artist: Attributed to the Meidias Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 420–410 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm); diameter 13 11/16 in. (34.8 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1937
- Object Number: 37.11.23
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Meidias Painter
ca. 420–410 BCE
Meidias Painter
ca. 410 BCE
Meidias Painter
ca. 410 BCE
Meidias Painter
ca. 420–410 BCE
Meidias Painter
ca. 420–400 BCE
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