Black-figure amphora

On one side of this Attic amphora, Poseidon overwhelms the giant Polybotes during Gigantomachy; the scene is attended by an archer with a Phrygian cap. On the other side, ivy-wreathed Dionysos is riding a donkey accompanied by two Satyrs. The vase is attributed to the Leagros Group and belongs to the late phase of Attic black-figure painting. Gigantomachy was a popular subject among black-figure painters. It first appeared on Attic vases around 560 BC. In fact, the best paintings, where crowded fighting scenes are represented, belong to that early period. In later examples, action is focused on Zeus' chariot or on fightings between individuals. In early vases Poseidon is shown fully armed, while later he appeares either naked or draped in a light gown. He uses his trident and he prepares to crush the giant with a huge boulder which he has extracted from the island of Kos. According to the myth, this boulder was to give birth to the volcanic island Nisyros; the Nisyros volcano is named Polybotes and, according to tradition, when it roars it is because of the Giant's cries.