Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)

Greek, Attic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

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.

Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water), Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water), Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water), Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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