Hydria, Scene from the Eleusinian mysteries (reverse)

Plants decorate the reverse of this hydria—a vase designed to hold and pour water. The principal floral motif is the palmetto, based on palm leaves. Curved lines and scrolls underline and link the motifs.

This moving, burgeoning decor contrasts with the static pose of the three divinities depicted on the front. In the center sits Demeter, goddess of agriculture, holding a scepter, her daughter Persephone grasping two flaming torches, having returned to Earth after six months in Hades. Dionysus, the god of vines and wine, sits on a rock. Their presence in this scene evokes the cycle of the seasons, as well as the cultivation of vines and wheat.