Side A: the ambush of Dolon
Side A: Diomedes, Dolon, and Odysseus
[Image not available]
Three-dimensional approximation of the vase
| Collection: | London, British Museum |
| Summary: | Side A: The ambush of Dolon Side B: Two woman presenting wreaths to two youths. |
| Ware: | Lucanian Red Figure |
| Painter: | Name vase of the Dolon Painter |
| Context: | From Pisticci |
| Date: | ca. 380 BC |
| Dimensions: | H. 0.502 m. |
| Primary Citation: | |
| Shape: | Calyx krater |
| Region: | Basilicata |
| Period: | Late Classical |
Condition:
On both sides, the figures are restored in places.
Decoration Description:
Side A: In the center of the composition between two leafless tree trunks is Dolon. His lower body is turned to the left, while he looks over his shoulder to the right. His legs are slightly bent and he appears to be tiptoeing. He has a moustache and whiskers, and wears a skin hat, a spotted skin knotted around his neck, and leggings. Under the skin cloak, he has a short chiton, and a quiver decorated with a wave pattern hangs at his left side. He holds a knotted spear in his right hand, which he is pointing at Diomedes, and in fright is just letting go of a bow held in his left hand. To the left, Odysseus steps out from behind one of the trees. His left hand is on Dolon's shoulder, and he prepares to drive him through with the sword in his right. Odysseus is bearded, and wears a pilos (cap), chlamys, and lace-up boots (endromides). On the right, Diomedes comes out from behind the other tree. He stretches out his right hand to seize Dolon, and in his left he holds two spears. He is bearded, and wears a crested helmet with cheek pieces, decorated with a crouching wolf, a chlamys, and lace-up boots. The mantles of Odysseus and Diomedes are decorated with black borders; Odysseus' also appears to be lined with spotted skin. The scene is bordered by two more tree trunks at the far edges.
Dolon was the only son of Eumedes, a Trojan herald. He went to spy on the Acheans at the encouragement of Hector, who promised him Achilles' horses as a reward. However, he was caught and killed by Odysseus and Diomedes. Trendall (11) thinks that this vase ". . . gives a burlesque version of a heroic theme, the ambush of Dolon as described by Homer (
Side B: Two women offer wreaths to two youths. On the right is a youth clad in a mantle, in profile to the left. Before him stands a woman with her hair bound up in a diadem, wearing a necklace, and a belted chiton. She faces the youth, and holds up a wreath in her right hand, while in her left is an embroidered sash. Behind her in profile to the left is a naked youth. His left hand rests on his hip, and he reaches forward with his right to receive a wreath from the other woman. Her hair is long and curly, and she also wears a necklace and chiton, as well as a peplos. She offers the wreath with her right hand. All of the figures wear sandals.
On both sides, the upper band is a painted olive wreath, below which is an egg-and-dart pattern. The lower band is another egg-and-dart pattern, under which is an acanthus and palmette design.
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography:
The Quest for Ulysses (London, 1974): 27, fig. 13RA 1 (1980): 11, 27, fig. 10Atlas of the Greek World (New York, 1984): 127