Terracotta pyxis (box)
The daughters of Danaos
Women driving chariots at full tilt are rare in Greek mythology. For that reason, the figures in this scene have been identified as the formidable daughters of the mythical king Danaos. There were fifty daughters, known for their accomplishments at hunting and warfare. They had been forced to marry their fifty cousins, sons of king Aigyptos, but slew their husbands on the wedding night. Thereafter, they found new spouses.
Women driving chariots at full tilt are rare in Greek mythology. For that reason, the figures in this scene have been identified as the formidable daughters of the mythical king Danaos. There were fifty daughters, known for their accomplishments at hunting and warfare. They had been forced to marry their fifty cousins, sons of king Aigyptos, but slew their husbands on the wedding night. Thereafter, they found new spouses.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta pyxis (box)
- Artist: Attributed to the Marlay Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 430 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm); diameter 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Bequest of Walter C. Baker, 1971
- Object Number: 1972.118.147a, b
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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