Ancient Greek Art: Apollo, Leto & the Giant Tityus

Tityus seizing Leto, Apollo & Artemis | Greek vase, Athenian red figure krater

"Tityos once assaulted a mistress of Zeus himself, the far-famed Leto, as she walked towards Pytho through the lovely spaces of Panopeus." - Homer, Odyssey 11.580

T14.3 APOLLON, LETO & TITYOS

Museum Collection: Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
Catalogue Number: Louvre G164
Beazley Archive Number: 205657
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Krater
Painter: Attributed to the Aegisthus Painter
Date: ca 470 - 465 BC
Period: Early Classical

SUMMARY

Apollon and Artemis rush to the aide of their mother Leto, who has been seized by the lustful giant Tityos. The god, who has a bow and quiver slung to his back, tries to pull Leto free of the giant's grasp. Artemis stands on the other side with one hand raised, and the other holding a bow. The giant himself wrestles Leto around the waist, in an attempt to carry her off and ravish her.

NOTEThis image is a montage of several photos of the vase.

ARTICLESTityos, Leto, Apollon, Artemis