Hydria with girls by the fountain

This hydria, used to transport water, is decorated by one of the best Athenian painters of the first half of the 5th century BC, the so-called Berlin Painter. The scene depicts two girls who have gone to the public fountain to fill their hydriae. One of them is waiting for her hydria to fill, while the other, who already had hers filled and on her head, is walking away. They are so caught up in their conversation that they do not notice the vessel under the fountain is totally overflowing. Eros, the god of love and attraction, is the only one who can ensnare whomever he chooses with his inescapable power. He occupies the shoulder of the container, flitting amongst floral elements, with ribbons in his hands. Without them seeing, he watches over the girls’ conversation. The hydria is used to collect water for a bride’s purifying bath. The scene depicted here alludes to the celebrated moment when the girls go to collect the nuptial water.