hydria
- Museum number
- 1843,1103.17
- Description
-
Pottery: black-figured hydria. Designs in black on red panels, separated by maeander with borders of ivy down the sides; accessories of white and purple.
1. On the shoulder: Two quadrigae to right, into which charioteers, one beardless, with long white chitons, are stepping; between them, a dog to left regardant.
2. On the body: Hydrophoria: In the centre is a building with two Ionic columns between antae; pediment and metopes painted white; on each side is a fountain, with a lion's head from which water is pouring into a hydria held up by a maiden. In the centre is a maiden moving to right and looking back, left hand raised, in right a hydria. All three wear embroidered chitons and himatia, the one on the right wears a sphendonè and a cap covering the whole head; the other two have long hair bound with the sphendonè. On the left is Dionysos to right, with long pointed beard and long hair, ivy-wreath, long chiton and embroidered himation, cantharos in left hand. On the right is Hermes departing to right, looking back, bearded, with long hair, fillet, embroidered chlamys, petasos, endromides, and a spear. Both these figures are of colossal size, and perhaps represent statues. In the field, branches.
- Production date
- 510BC (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 58.42 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- Scene (2) may show preparations for a ritual known as the Hydrophoria. This took place on the second day of the spring festival of the Anthesteria, and involved the ceremonial pouring of water into a particular chasm.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Badly damaged.
- Acquisition date
- 1843
- Department
- Greek and Roman
- Registration number
- 1843,1103.17