Terracotta alabastron (perfume vase)
The blinding of Polyphemos
The blinding of Polyphemos is one of the most dramatic episodes in the voyage of Odysseus, king of Ithaka, from the Trojan War to his native island. Representations begin in the seventh century B.C. but are rare. This vase is noteworthy because an event of extraordinary moment is rendered with a bare minimum of artistic means.
The blinding of Polyphemos is one of the most dramatic episodes in the voyage of Odysseus, king of Ithaka, from the Trojan War to his native island. Representations begin in the seventh century B.C. but are rare. This vase is noteworthy because an event of extraordinary moment is rendered with a bare minimum of artistic means.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta alabastron (perfume vase)
- Period: Late Corinthian I
- Date: 575–550 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Corinthian
- Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
- Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Gift of L. P. di Cesnola, 1876
- Object Number: 76.12.6
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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ca. 600–550 BCE
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ca. 630–615 BCE
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