Odysseus vs. Polyphemus
The inner surface of the kylix is divided in two parts. The upper scene shows the cyclops Polyphemus seated on a rock inside his cavern. He grasps the legs of one of an Odysseus’ companions previously dismembered and eaten by him. Odysseus with three companions is approaching to the intoxicated Polyphemus, giving him a kantharos filled with wine. They are about to blind the horrific giant with a spear painted in red. The snake pictured above the protagonists of this famous episode is purely decorative.
The lower part is decorated with a big fish.
Laconian black-figure kylix
Made in Sparta
Attributed to The Richter Painter
About 570 – 550 BC
From Nola, Italy
Paris, Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities
Odysseus vs. Polyphemus
The inner surface of the kylix is divided in two parts. The upper scene shows the cyclops Polyphemus seated on a rock inside his cavern. He grasps the legs of one of an Odysseus’ companions previously dismembered and eaten by him. Odysseus with three companions is approaching to the intoxicated Polyphemus, giving him a kantharos filled with wine. They are about to blind the horrific giant with a spear painted in red. The snake pictured above the protagonists of this famous episode is purely decorative.
The lower part is decorated with a big fish.
Laconian black-figure kylix
Made in Sparta
Attributed to The Richter Painter
About 570 – 550 BC
From Nola, Italy
Paris, Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities