An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Black-Figure Hydria (Water Vessel): Frontal Quadriga (Body); Theseus and Minotaur (Shoulder)c. 520 BCE
Antimenes Painter
Although their subjects differ, the three fields of figured decoration on this vessel relate to one another metaphorically through the theme of victory. Just as Theseus defeats the Minotaur on the shoulder, two lions converge on a deer in the predella (the small, lowermost panel). In the largest panel, victory is still to come, presumably for all three warriors shown: one in the chariot behind his driver, and one on foot on either side. Somewhat unusually, two of the warriors look directly out at the viewer, their frontal faces an interesting complement to the much more common frontal chariot.
This type of water vessel, a <em>hydria</em>, takes its name from <em>hudor</em>, Greek for water (and still familiar in the English root <em>hydro</em>).
ceramic
Overall: 43.2 cm (17 in.); Diameter of rim: 24.7 cm (9 3/4 in.); Diameter of foot: 15.2 cm (6 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the delicate dance of ancient art, a vessel rises as a testament to triumph. Its figured decoration, a canvas of stories woven together, reveals three distinct scenes, yet they all intertwine through the powerful theme of victory.
On the shoulder of the vessel, the tale of Theseus unfolds—a heroic figure boldly confronting the menace of the Minotaur. As we gaze upon his fierce resolve, we can almost feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the weight of destiny resting on his shoulders. Beneath these grand narratives, the predella tells another tale entirely. Here, we witness two lions, regal and fierce, prowling towards a lone deer—each muscle taut, each movement a testament to nature's relentless cycle of predator and prey.
Yet, the heart of the vessel beats strongest in its largest panel, where anticipation hangs in the air like the stillness before a storm. Three warriors prepare for their impending clash. One stands proud in a chariot, guided by a steadfast driver, while the two others, determined and ready, stand resolutely on foot at either side. Their expressions draw us in; two of these soldiers make eye contact with the viewer, their faces a striking contrast to the more common gaze of a frontal chariot. They are not mere characters in a tableau—they are warriors, champions of their own narratives, challenging us to witness their journey to victory.
As we contemplate this ancient artistry, we feel the echoes of their stories resonating through time—whispers of courage, competition, and the unyielding spirit of those who strive to conquer.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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