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Oil flask (lekythos) with the birth of Dionysos
Greek
Early Classical Period
about 460 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Red Figure technique
Dimensions
Height: 42.8 cm (16 7/8 in.); diameter: 14.5 cm (5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number95.39
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Caskey-Beazley, Attic Vase Paintings (MFA), no. 148.
DescriptionBirth of Dionysos from the thigh of Zeus. Zeus seated; head of infant Dionysos visible; Hermes facing Zeus. A meaningless inscription over the head of Zeus (ESNOSN KOSN). Surface somewhat corroded.
[Label text]:
The scene on this oil jar depicts the unusual birth of the wine god Dionysos through Zeus' thigh. The small head of the infant can be seen protruding from Zeus' leg. Hermes holds Zeus' staff and waits to carry Dionysos off to be raised by nymphs.
[Label text]:
The scene on this oil jar depicts the unusual birth of the wine god Dionysos through Zeus' thigh. The small head of the infant can be seen protruding from Zeus' leg. Hermes holds Zeus' staff and waits to carry Dionysos off to be raised by nymphs.
InscriptionsMeaningless inscriptions: ESNOSN KOSN
ΕSΝΟSΝ ΚΟSΝ
ΕSΝΟSΝ ΚΟSΝ
ProvenanceSaid to have been found at Eretria, Greece [see note 1]. August, 1893, acquired by Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London; 1895, sold by Edward Perry Warren to the MFA [see note 2]. (Accession Date: January 1, 1895)
NOTES:
[1] According to Warren's records. [2] MFA accession nos. 95.9 - 95.174 were purchased together for $29,857.37.
NOTES:
[1] According to Warren's records. [2] MFA accession nos. 95.9 - 95.174 were purchased together for $29,857.37.