Terracotta pyxis (box)

Meidias Painter

ca. 420–410 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Aphrodite attended by ladies The representation here shows the typical Athenian lady surrounded by attendants holding caskets and vases for oil. Its significance is altered by the inscriptions, which identify Aphrodite as the seated figure and her companions as Peitho (Persuasion), Hygeia (Health), Eudaimonia (Good Fortune), Eukleia (Good Repute), Eunomia (Good Order), Paidia (Play). The pyxis was undoubtedly a wedding gift.

Artist

Meidias Painter

Date

ca. 420–410 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1909