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Vertical handle of a bronze hydria (water jar)

mid-5th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 155
Above, head and pelt of lion flanked by gorgoneia (Gorgons' heads)
Below, frontal siren

Lions and women appear repeatedly in bronze hydria handles. Although its meaning is not clear, the lion lends itself in many ways to being incorporated into a handle. The present work is exceptional in the execution of detail.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vertical handle of a bronze hydria (water jar)
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: mid-5th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 11 1/4 in. (28.5 cm)
    width from gorgon to gorgon 7 7/16 in. (18.9 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Christos G. Bastis, 1993
  • Object Number: 1993.133
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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