Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
Mother, boy, and Charon
Charon, the ferryman, transported the deceased across the river separating the world of the living from that of the dead. The reality of this journey to the ancient Greeks is reflected in the many representations of Charon and his charges. Here he awaits a woman and a little boy who is undoubtedly the deceased. The child is elevated on a rock and motions to his mother with one hand while holding his go-cart with the other.
Charon, the ferryman, transported the deceased across the river separating the world of the living from that of the dead. The reality of this journey to the ancient Greeks is reflected in the many representations of Charon and his charges. Here he awaits a woman and a little boy who is undoubtedly the deceased. The child is elevated on a rock and motions to his mother with one hand while holding his go-cart with the other.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)
- Artist: Attributed to the Painter of Munich 2335
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 430 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; white-ground
- Dimensions: H. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm); diameter 4 in. (10.2 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
- Object Number: 09.221.44
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Greek
ca. 450–440 BCE
Painter of Munich 2335
ca. 440 BCE
Painter of Munich 2335
ca. 440 BCE
Amasis Painter
ca. 550–530 BCE
Amasis Painter
ca. 550–530 BCE
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