Apr 15, 2009
Apr 15, 2009
Apr 15, 2009
Apr 15, 2009
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011

Red-Figure Bell Krater (Mixing Vessel): Aphrodite and Eros

Red-Figure Bell Krater (Mixing Vessel): Aphrodite and Eros

c. 370–360 BC

attributed to Graz Painter

(South Italian, Apulian, active c. 380–360 BC)

Ceramic

Overall: 30.5 cm (12 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1924.534

Location

Did you know?

The dancing nude youths on the reverse are unusual; typically they would be standing and draped.

Description

This small mixing vessel shows a finely dressed woman seated on a chest and holding up a mirror to admire herself. Before her stands Eros, the winged god of love, holding a ribbon or sash. Behind the woman stands a pillar with the inscription ΑΦΡΟΔΙΤΗ, or APHRODITE, the goddess of love. Such labels are rare on vases, and scholars debate whether this names the woman shown as Aphrodite herself, with her son Eros, or a bride envisioning herself as Aphrodite, just before her wedding.

Video

What is terracotta?
What was this for?
See also
Collection: 
GR - South Italy
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic
Medium: 
Ceramic
Credit line: 
Gift of J. H. Wade

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.