T1.6 THE BIRTH OF ERIKHTHONIOS

Museum Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Catalogue Number: London E182
Beazley Archive Number: 206695
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Hydria
Painter: Attributed to the Oinanthe Painter
Date: --
Period: Late Archaic

SUMMARY

Gaia (the earth) hands her newborn son Erikhthonios over to the goddess Athene, who will foster him as the founding king of Athens. Gaia is shown only partially risen from the earth, being inseperable from her native element. Zeus, holding a lightning bolt, and two goddesses, possibly Hera (?} and Nike with a fillet, stand as witness.

ARTICLESGaia, Athene, Zeus