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Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles
200s BC
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
Four four-horse chariots proceed around the interior of this libation bowl, each driven by a winged Nike (Victory) and accompanied by a flying Eros. Each carries a different figure—Athena, Herakles, Ares, and Dionysos—and small animals race along before the horses. The appearance of Herakles with these Olympians suggests his apotheosis.
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Details
- Title: Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles
- Date Created: 200s BC
- Physical Dimensions: Diameter: 20.6 cm (8 1/8 in.); Overall: 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.)
- Provenance: Dr. Frohlich, Vienna, Austria, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Ceramic
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1926.515
- Medium: ceramic
- Fun Fact: This type of glossy ceramic vessel likely imitates costlier objects made of precious metal.
- Department: Greek and Roman Art
- Culture: South Italian, Campanian (Calenian)
- Credit Line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
- Collection: GR - Greek
- Accession Number: 1926.515
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