Perseus Art and Archaeology Browser

ID:

aa_5271

Beazley Number:

214713

Type:

Vase

Date:

ca. -440

Period:

Classical

Painter:

Name vase of the Orestes Painter

Condition:

The vase is in excellent condition.

Ware:

Attic Red Figure

Shape:

Column krater

Decoration Description

Side A: Orestes at Delphi. Orestes takes refuge at an altar while Apollo holds back the pursuing Fury. Orestes has just reached the altar and has lunged forward to place his right foot on it. He leans forward onto this leg as he looks back over his shoulder toward his pursuer. Apollo, in the center of the scene, has interposed himself between Orestes and the Fury. He is moving toward Orestes, his head turned toward the Fury who he intends to hold back with the forked stick he holds in one hand. His other arm is raised, perhaps preparing to strike the Fury. The running Fury has stretched out an arm toward Orestes (pointing at him?). She is winged and has snakes in her hair, and is wearing a short chiton. Orestes wears chlamys and petasos, and carries two spears and a sword.

Side B: komos.

Collection:

London, British Museum

Citations and Bibliography

ARV2, 1112.1; Para, 452

Trendall & Webster 1971, no. III. 1, 8.

ILN 27 Oct. 1923; Lacroix 1946, pl. 8 I.; Simon 1953, 8 fig. 3; EAA, v 743 fig. 903; Prag 1985, pl. 30 fig. a; Vogt 1981, 150; Beazley Addenda 2, 330; Boardman 1989, fig. 198.