Reproduction of the Winged Three-bodied Creature, commonly known as "Bluebeard"

Emile Gilliéron

second quarter of the 6th century BCE · Watercolor, graphite, and crayon on paper · Greek and Roman Art

The counterpart to Herakles Wrestling Triton in the right corner of the Hekatompedon pediment is composed of the torsos of three bearded and winged men emerging from a snaky lower body. Although the subject has been variously identified, it was called "Bluebeard" upon its discovery in 1888, and the nickname has stuck. Gilliéron depicted the rightmost head, which was found separately, both by itself and attached to its body. Rendered at full scale, the figures hold attributes of water, fire, and air, suggesting that they personify these elements, if not some larger cosmic concept.

Artist

Emile Gilliéron

Date

second quarter of the 6th century BCE

Medium

Watercolor, graphite, and crayon on paper

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Dodge Fund, 1919