Terracotta pelike (wine jar)

Acheloös Painter

ca. 510 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse, the henchmen of King Midas lying in wait for Silenos Reverse, flute player and two boxers The difference between satyrs and silens cannot be defined conclusively, but silens are often considered older satyrs. Silens could be endowed with great wisdom in addition to a great capacity for wine. King Midas of Phrygia once had his men trap a silen by luring him to a fountain of water mixed with wine. Midas's purpose was to benefit from the silen's counsel.

Artist

Acheloös Painter

Date

ca. 510 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1949