Ancient Greek Art: The Birth of Erichthonius

Gaea the Earth deliving Erichthonius to Athena & Hephaestus | Greek vase, Athenian red figure stamnos

T1.3 THE BIRTH OF ERIKHTHONIOS

Museum Collection: Antikensammlungen,
Munich, Germany
Catalogue Number: Munich 2413
Beazley Archive Number: 205571
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Stamnos
Painter: Name vase of the Painter of Munich 2413
Date: ca 460 BC
Period: Early Classical

NOTE

This is a drawing of the vase rather than a photographic representation.

ARTICLES

Gaia, Athene, Hephaistos

SUMMARY

Side A: Gaia (the earth) hands her newborn son Erikhthonios over to the goddess Athene, who will foster this founding king of Athens. Gaia is shown only partially risen from the earth, being inseperable from her native element. Beside Athene stands Hephaistos, the natural father of the child.
Side B: Zeus attended by Iris (see other image)

OTHER IMAGES OF VASE