| Collection: | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
| Summary: | Odysseus and the Sirens |
| Ware: | Corinthian |
| Context: | Said to be from Boeotia |
| Date: | ca. 570 BC - ca. 550 BC |
| Dimensions: | H. 0.102 m., D. 0.095 m. |
| Primary Citation: | |
| Shape: | Aryballos |
| Ceramic Phase: | Late Corinthian |
| Region: | Boeotia |
| Period: | Archaic |
Decoration Description:
The vase has a rounded body with a flat bottom, and the edge of the base ring is grooved. It has a small neck, wide flat lip projecting below, and a narrow strap handle. The decoration is in a slightly lustrous brown to black glaze, with some details incised. On the shoulder are radial bars, while on the base ring, under the base, and on the lip are concentric lines and bands.
In the main zone is depicted the ship of Odysseus with the beak in the form of a boar's snout, rowed by helmeted warriors towards the right. Odysseus is tied to the mast, while over the boat fly two birds (a swan and an eagle?). In front at the right are cliffs on which stand two sirens with raised wings, and behind them a crouching woman. Under the handle is a large, latticed, altar-like structure.
The crouching woman is interpreted by Payne (321) as Chthon, mother of the sirens.
Material Description:
The clay is pale warm buff.
Collection History:
Henry L. Pierce Fund, purchased 1901.
Sources Used: