Fact Scan:Date: c.410BC

Type: Hydria (Storing and pouring water – 3 handles)

Technique: Red figure (the figures are red, duh?!!)

Potter: Meidias

Painter: Meidias Painter (Painted the vases potted by Meidias)

Height: 52.2 cm

Subject: Abduction of daughters of Leucippos

Herakles in the Garden of the Hesperides

Upper RegisterCastor and Pollux – having been advised to get married, go into

the sanctuary of Aphrodite and steal (with the intention of “knowing”) the daughters of Leucippos – Eriphyle and Hilaeira – as they are innocently gathering flowers

The goddess Aphrodite is present – reclining beside an altar and in statue form between the 2 chariots.

On the extreme left (visible on an old fashioned slide) is Zeus (father of the Discouri) holding a sceptre.

On the extreme right, Peitho the goddess of Persuasion runs away in distress (but fortunately remembers to turn around and see Eriphyle being carried away)

To the left of the altar, Chryseis gathers flowers (while a violent abduction takes place): how nice! Agaue runs towards Zeus – but holds her dress as she does so!

At a higher level, Pollux has already captured Hilaeira and is about to take off in the chariot. He is seated and is carrying her on his lap.

To the left, Castor’s chariot is being looked after by his charioteer, Chrysippos. Clearly he is having some difficulty grabbing hold of Eriphyle. The horses stand patiently – nice horses!

A large, stylized and very ugly palmette is drawn on the reverse and surrounds the very awkward area of the third handle

There are decorative bandsStylized egg and dart pattern

around the lipPalmettes on the neckMeanders with boxes below each

of the friezesStylized tongues surround the

handles

The lower register encircles the vase

Lower RegisterHerakles (right with club, lion skin and looking rather

effeminate) accompanied by his nephew (Iolaos) have come to the garden of the Hesperides.

They seek the golden apples of immortality (doesn’t everyone except Juvenal?!)

Lower RegisterThe apples are on the tree – protected by a dragon.This scene goes all the way round the vase. The other characters

are either members of the Argonauts ( 7 of Jason’s mates) or 4 other maidens. Their names are available to keen people in the booklet

Stylistic features

DraperyAnatomyHair stylesDragon skin -

scalesDifferent

ground lines

Features of the Mannerist styleA fascination with drapery and intricate folds – embroidery even

on the cloaks of heroes

Interest in female anatomy – it is clearly revealed under the drapery and includes nipples (rare in females in vase painting)

Interest in decoration – such as the coronets, earrings, necklaces and bracelets

Theatrical or elegant poses and gestures – even when totally inappropriate to the narrative