Terracotta Column Krater Attributed to the Alkimachos Painter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2011

Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
Attributed to the Alkimachos Painter

Period: Classical

Date: ca. 460 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta

Dimensions: Overall: 15 3/8 x 14 15/16in. (39 x 38cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1956

Accession Number: 56.171.46

Description:

Obverse, Theseus about to slay the Minotaur, flanked by Nike (the personification of victory) and Ariadne
Reverse, three youths

According to legend, Theseus, the most important Athenian hero, lived at a time when King Minos of Crete was exacting tribute from Athens. Every year seven youths and seven maidens were sent from Athens to Crete to be shut up in a labyrinth to die of starvation or be devoured by the Minotaur, a monster that was half man and half bull. Theseus accompanied the victims, slew the Minotaur, and escaped from the labyrinth with the help of King Minos' daughter, Ariadne.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/1300...