Water Jar (Hydria): Theseus Pursuing Women
Date440–430 BCE
Mediumred-figure painted pottery
Dimensions34.6 x 33.7 cm (13 5/8 x 13 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1903.38
DescriptionHydria-Theseus pursuing a woman. Red-figured.Label TextA hydria is a vessel used for carrying water from the public fountain house. The scenes around the shoulder of this vase represent the chase of young women by a beardless youth wrapped only in a cloak and carrying two spears. He may be the hero Theseus, whose sexual exploits were well known. An older bearded man, perhaps the girls' father, stands nearby. The energetic chase may suggest the dangers of going unaccompanied to the fountains, an activity no respectable woman would undertake.ProvenanceFound at Sorrento by unknown individual; purchased by the Worcester Art Museum, from Dr. Ludwig Pollack, Rome Italy, 1903.
On View
Not on view
