Water Jar with Athena Defeating a Giant in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Water Jar with Athena Defeating a Giant
Greek, 350-325 BC
Bronze
Kalpis

Inventory # 73.AC.15

The relief at the base of this vessel's handle depicts Athena defeating a giant. The monster, who has fallen at her feet, is attacked by a snake encircling his body. This dynamic scene is from the Gigantomachy, a great mythical battle between the Olympian gods and the giants, a race of monstrous creatures. The giants were ultimately conquered by the gods.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.