Leseprobe

37 Volute krater. Assembly of the gods Apulian, c. 330/320 BCE Clay; height 77 cm Donated by Maria Isabel de Borbón in 1836 Inv. no. Dr. 519 Corresponding in form to vessels used for mixing wine and water, this krater was very probably one of the grave goods in a tomb. With the exception of the foot and portions of the handles, almost the entire surface of the krater is adorned with representations of plants, patterns, and various figures. Prominent among these is the seated figure of the goddess Athena, who holds her helmet in one hand and a lance in the other. Visible in the lower register are a number of women tending to a stela-topped grave. A striking group is shown on the krater’s neck. In the midst of vines and plants, a caress takes place between Eros (depicted with white skin and large wings) and a swan. Standing on the god’s lap, the bird directs its beak towards Eros’s mouth. Eros is depicted wearing bracelets, a necklace, and an earring. He wears reddish-brown sandals, and – his hair partially hidden be- neath a hood and tied in a knot at the back of his head – sports a hairstyle typically reserved for women.  |  sk