Trefoil Oinochoe, (jug)
6th century B.C.
This oinochoe, a type of wine-pouring jug, is appropriately decorated in the black-figure style with a scene of Dionysos, Hermes, and a female figure who may be identified as Ariadne, the consort of Dionysos. The Greek god of wine, reclining at center, is typically shown as a mature male deity with a long beard and a himation draped around his lower legs. He is securely identified by the ivy wreath on his head as well as by the background of the scene which is filled with stylized vines and bunches of grapes. He reclines on a beautifully decorated kline or couch, a piece of furniture that served as both a bed and a sofa, and was commonly used during meals. In front of his kline is a small table with meat and cakes. After the meal, these tables were stored under the couches. To the right, the messenger god Hermes arrives. He is also identified by his typical attributes: the petasos (a broad-brimmed traveler's hat), the chlamys (a traveling cloak pinned on one shoulder), the winged boots, and the caduceus (apotropaic herald's staff). The attribute-less female figure to the right wears a peplos and a himation and has her hair bound back.
Ceramic with paint
8 7/16 in. (21.5 cm)
Diam.: 4 15/16 in.
Norman and Amelia Davis Classical Collection
70.97
