Terracotta bell-krater (mixing bowl)

Sarpedon Painter

ca. 400–380 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse, Europa pleading with Zeus for the life of Sarpedon; Hera, Hypnos, Pasithea Reverse, Europa with attendants watching Hypnos and Thanatos bringing the body of Sarpedon The decoration probably reflects the Europa or Carians, a lost play by the Greek tragedian, Aischylos. The subject of the obverse is unusual and has posed difficulties of identification. The depiction of Sarpedon being transported by Sleep and Death to his native Lycia for burial originated in Athens, possibly with the painter Euphronios, and it assumed some currency on vases. With the numerous props indicating the abode of Zeus and Hera and of the enthroned Europa, the Apulian vase likely represents a specific theatrical interpretation.

Artist

Sarpedon Painter

Date

ca. 400–380 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, South Italian, Apulian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1916