Bell Krater (bowl for mixing water and wine); Front: Helen fleeing from Menelaos; Back: A Youth Departing
Artist: The Persephone Painter (Greek)
Date: about 440-430 BCE
Dimensions:
H: 12 13/16 in. (32.5 cm); Diam (lip): 14 25/32 in. (37.5 cm); Diam (foot): 7 3/32 in. (18 cm)
Medium: Red Figure; Wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware
Place of Origin: Greek, Attic
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1967.154
Label Text:Just as Menelaos, they say, seeing the bosom of his naked Helen flung down the sword (Aristophanes, Lysistrata, 155)
When the city of Troy fell after the ten year siege by the Greeks, Menelaos sought out Helen, the wife who deserted him for Trojan prince Paris, thus precipitating the epic war. His intention was to kill her for her betrayal. On this vase, Helen is shown running toward the altar of Aphrodite, goddess of love, for safety, her hair and clothing flying loose. Astonished by her beauty, Menelaos changes his mind, drops his sword, and prepares to forgive her. The reverse depicts a woman offering a phiale (dish) to a young man holding a spear.
When the city of Troy fell after the ten year siege by the Greeks, Menelaos sought out Helen, the wife who deserted him for Trojan prince Paris, thus precipitating the epic war. His intention was to kill her for her betrayal. On this vase, Helen is shown running toward the altar of Aphrodite, goddess of love, for safety, her hair and clothing flying loose. Astonished by her beauty, Menelaos changes his mind, drops his sword, and prepares to forgive her. The reverse depicts a woman offering a phiale (dish) to a young man holding a spear.
On view
In Collection(s)