P23.6 PERSEUS SLAYING MEDOUSA

Museum Collection: Metropolitan Museum, New York, USA
Catalogue Number: New York 45.11.1
Beazley Archive Number: 213438
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Pelike
Painter: Attributed to Polygnotos
Date: ca 450 BC
Period: Classical

SUMMARY

Perseus beheads Medousa with a sickle-shaped sword. The Gorgon is depicted as a beautiful winged woman, asleep, with her head resting on her hand. There is no sign of her monstrous nature. The hero wears the winged boots and cap of Hermes. Beside him stands the goddess Athene in support. She wears the snake-trimmed aigis cloak and holds a spear.

ARTICLES

Perseus, Medousa, Athene