Ancient Greek Art: Leda and the Swan

Leda & the Swan, with Hypnus the god of sleep | Greek vase, Apulian red figure loutrophoros

"Leda as she lay under the white swan's wings." - Ovid, Met. 6.109

K1.11 LEDA & THE SWAN

Museum Collection: The J Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, California, USA
Catalogue Number: Malibu 86.AE.680
Beazley Archive Number: N/A
Ware: Apulian Red Figure
Shape: Loutrophoros
Painter: Attributed to the Painter of Louvre MNB 1148
Date: ca 350 - 340 BC
Period: Late Classical

SUMMARY

Detail of the figures of Leda, the swan and Hypnos. Zeus seduces Leda in the form of a swan. Hypnos (sleep personified) puts her to sleep with the dripping water of the river Lethe. Peitho the goddess of persuasion (or persuasive seduction) attendants the scene.

ARTICLESZeus, Hypnos, Peitho

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