Attic Red Figure Pyxis ca. 400-390 b.c.
By the Meleager Painter
MS 5462
Heracles and Hebe's wedding in the presence of the gods on Mt. Olympus. The
lid of the pyxis shows Heracles leading Hebe to his house, while an Eros or
Cupid figure carries a marriage torch in front of the wedded couple. Hebe
is dressed in a white and gold chiton and himation and wears a wedding veil
which another Eros adjusts. A goddess lights the scene with a pair of torches.
Athena and Zeus sit enthroned, while Hera leans intimately against Zeus's
shoulder. A third Eros reclines against Zeus's throne next to a high-stemmed
censer for burning incense. Behind the Eros is a low, footed chest, probably
a wedding gift. Two women carry a jewel box for the bride and a vessel containing
water for her bridal bath.
H. 9.0; Dia. 21.8 cm. Photo courtesy Public Information Office, Univ. of Pennsylvania
Museum.