Terracotta pyxis (box)

Marlay Painter

ca. 430 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

The daughters of Danaos Women driving chariots at full tilt are rare in Greek mythology. For that reason, the figures in this scene have been identified as the formidable daughters of the mythical king Danaos. There were fifty daughters, known for their accomplishments at hunting and warfare. They had been forced to marry their fifty cousins, sons of king Aigyptos, but slew their husbands on the wedding night. Thereafter, they found new spouses.

Artist

Marlay Painter

Date

ca. 430 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Bequest of Walter C. Baker, 1971