Terracotta hydria (water jar)

Group of B.M. F 308

ca. 340–330 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

The abduction of Persephone by Hades surrounded by gods The myth of the abduction of Persephone was situated in Sicily. Hades’ chariot occupies the most prominent area of the vase. All around appear deities connected with the event—Zeus, Hades’ brother, whose sanction was needed; Aphrodite and Eros, abettors of Hades’ desire; Demeter, Persephone’s mother; torch-bearing Hecate; and Athena. The vegetation in the scene and the choice of a water jar as the shape emphasize the aspect of fertility in the story. Mythological subjects such as this commonly decorated funerary vases.

Artist

Group of B.M. F 308

Date

ca. 340–330 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, South Italian, Apulian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Miss Matilda W. Bruce, 1907