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Fragment of an oinochoe with Bellerophon attacking the Chimaera
Greek, South Italian
Late Classical Period
about 350–340 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Italy, Apulia
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions
10 cm (3 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Julia Bradford Huntington James Fund and Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number10.204
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Vase-Painting in Italy (MFA), no. 027.
DescriptionBellerophon mounted on Pegasus (white) attacks the Chimaera. To him flies a winged figure bearing a wreath.
Note: golden brown details; white dots on brim of Bellerophon's hat, white strap under chin; anklet of flying figure and dots on wing; teeth and breath of Chimaera.
ITALIAN VASE PAINTING in ITALY, #27 (10.204)
Fragment of an Oinochoe
about 350-340 B.C.
Bellerophon, mounted on Pegasus, attacks the Chimaera, who crouches at the lower right. The hero's weapon is a trident, a symbol of his grandfather Poseidon. His cloak is pinned at the throat with a black brooch. He wears laced shoes and a petasos with white dots on the brim and a white cord. Pegasus is a brilliant white, with a flowing mane and brown harness; the muzzle, ears, and hooves are rendered in beige dilute glaze. The Chimaera's lion's head is snarling, with teeth and fiery breath in added white; the goat's head emerging from its side seems lifeless by comparison. A winged figure flies toward Bellerophon, bearing a wreath; one expects Nike, but the white anklet suggests it is Eros, perhaps alluding to Bellerophon's subsequent marriage to Philonoe.
For Bellerophon and Pegasus, see cat. no. 8, with references. Compare the rearing Pegasus on an oinochoe, cat. no. 71. For the Chimaera, see A. Jacquemin, LIMC, III, 1, pp. 249-259, III, 2, pls. 197-209.
Note: golden brown details; white dots on brim of Bellerophon's hat, white strap under chin; anklet of flying figure and dots on wing; teeth and breath of Chimaera.
ITALIAN VASE PAINTING in ITALY, #27 (10.204)
Fragment of an Oinochoe
about 350-340 B.C.
Bellerophon, mounted on Pegasus, attacks the Chimaera, who crouches at the lower right. The hero's weapon is a trident, a symbol of his grandfather Poseidon. His cloak is pinned at the throat with a black brooch. He wears laced shoes and a petasos with white dots on the brim and a white cord. Pegasus is a brilliant white, with a flowing mane and brown harness; the muzzle, ears, and hooves are rendered in beige dilute glaze. The Chimaera's lion's head is snarling, with teeth and fiery breath in added white; the goat's head emerging from its side seems lifeless by comparison. A winged figure flies toward Bellerophon, bearing a wreath; one expects Nike, but the white anklet suggests it is Eros, perhaps alluding to Bellerophon's subsequent marriage to Philonoe.
For Bellerophon and Pegasus, see cat. no. 8, with references. Compare the rearing Pegasus on an oinochoe, cat. no. 71. For the Chimaera, see A. Jacquemin, LIMC, III, 1, pp. 249-259, III, 2, pls. 197-209.
ProvenanceBy 1910: with E. P. Warren (bought in Rome); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, June 2, 1910, for $4,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 10.159-10.230)