Calyx Krater (mixing bowl for wine and water): Return of Hephaistos to Olympos

Artists

Description

This krater (mixing bowl for wine and water) features a lively depiction of the return of the god of the forge Hephaistos to Olympos, the home of the gods. Hephaistos had previously been exiled from the land of the gods since he had insulted is mother, queen of the gods, Hera. The parade, featuring Dionysos, Hephaistos, and satyrs follows the wine god and circles around the entire vase with no clear beginning or end. On one side, the god Dionysos, who takes a central place on this side of the vase. The god walks forward wearing a leopard skin beneath a cloak draped over both his shoulders. He holds in one hand a grape vine whose branches extend over him and behind him. In his other hand, he holds a kantharos (two-handled wine cup) with body and foot rendered in black. He is flanked by two satyrs wearing leopard skins tied at the neck. The one in front of the god plays the pipes, tailing another satyr who is nude and carries a wineskin. The other strums a lyre with a plectrum and tilts his head back in song. Behind him, a satyr carries a large krater (mixing bowl for wine and water), his arm unable to wrap around the entire vessel. He turns his head towards the viewer, clearly unable to see past the bulky pot he carries. This krater adds a playful visual element as it is the same kind of bowl that this decoration is painted on, tickling the viewer with an instance of self-reference. Another satyr carries an axe resting on his shoulder, a humorous imitation of the god Hephaistos parading just a few steps behind him. Another satyr carries a large amphora (storage vessel, sometimes for wine) on his shoulder as he looks back at the god sitting upon the donkey. Just like the participants who wear wreaths on their heads, the amphora is decorated with painted on ivy leaves. Finally, we reach Hephaistos who sits atop a tall donkey with his axe slung over his shoulder and wearing a wreath and a simple cloak. His head and axe rise above the border of the image, emphasizing his height compared to the rest. Like the satyrs, the donkey has an exaggeratedly long erection, contributing to the crude humor of the rowdy scene. Behind him, a satyr follows, strumming a kithara (large lyre). He is followed by a satyr playing the pipes (aulos), carrying the bellows for the fire of Hephaistos' forge on his shoulder. Behind him and above the handle, a pair of satyrs engage in a playful conversation. One faces frontally, emphasizing his exaggerated erection as he gestures to his companion on the left, who holds a drinking horn and lifts a leg into the air.

Dimensions

43.8 cm h x 48 cm diam (17 1/4 x 18 7/8 in.)

Provenance

Jacob Hirsch, New York, (by 1933), sold; to Frederick M. Watkins, (1941-1960), gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1960.