Artwork Page for Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles

Details / Information for Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles

Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles

200s BCE

South Italian, Campanian

(Calenian)
Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Diameter: 20.6 cm (8 1/8 in.); Overall: 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1926.515
Public Domain
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Location
102D Pre-Roman
Print
?

Did You Know?

This type of glossy ceramic vessel likely imitates costlier objects made of precious metal.

Description

Four four-horse chariots proceed around the interior of this libation bowl, each driven by a winged Nike (Victory) and accompanied by a flying Eros. Each carries a different figure—Athena, Herakles, Ares, and Dionysos—and small animals race along before the horses. The appearance of Herakles with these Olympians suggests his apotheosis.
A black ceramic bowl features a wide, flared rim and a shallow interior. A smooth, rounded dome rises from the center. Shapes in raised relief encircle the dome, suggesting horse-drawn chariots moving toward the right. The entire surface is a uniform, dark black, and the bowl has a smooth exterior.

Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles

200s BCE

South Italian, Campanian (Calenian)

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