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White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Atalanta and Erotes, c. 500–470 BCE

Cleveland Museum of Art
attributed to Douris (Greek, Attic, active c. 500–470 BCE)
Ceramic
Overall: 31.8 cm (12 1/2 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1966.114

DESCRIPTION

This White-Ground Lekythos painting is a ceramic vase attributed to the Greek artist Douris. It is one of several vase paintings that depict the Greek heroine Atalanta, who was known for both her speed and opposition to marriage.^1,2,3  Atalanta is the subject of three Greek myths, one of which is “The Footrace.” In Greek mythology, Atalanta was abandoned by her father, who wanted a son, and was cared for by a she-bear until she was found and raised by a group of hunters. Atalanta grew to become a skilled huntress and opposed men generally and the idea of marriage.³

In “The Footrace,” Atalanta’s father demands she marry. She reluctantly agrees only if the suitor can beat her in a footrace,^2,3. an ancient Greek prenuptial rite in which males competed for the hand of the woman.³However, in this footrace, Atalanta competes against the suitors herself. In versions of the myth, Atalanta is either the pursuer or the pursued.²

The lekythos on which Douris’ image is painted is a type of ancient Greek vessel used for storing oil. It appeared around 590 BCE decorated with black and occasionally red paintings.⁴ A later technique included a white-ground clay backing applied to the surface, a style that has been found in Athenian graves and therefore believed to be associated with funeral rites.^2,4 The Greek perception of marriage as a metaphorical death is also well known.² Therefore, in this depiction, Atalanta, who is racing away from love and marriage, as suggested by the shape of the vase, faces a metaphorical death if she is caught.^2,3

In Douris’ White-Ground Lekythos, Atalanta races toward the right of the vessel, while looking back at Eros, the winged God of love, who is racing forward trying to crown her. Two more Erotes are present. In the end of “The Footrace,” Atalanta is tricked by her suitor and beaten. It is said they fall in love and the two go on to become great hunters together.³

Here, as three Erotes hem in on Atalanta, will love win?

References:

¹ White-Ground Lekythos (Oil Vessel): Atalanta and Erotes, c. 500–490 BCE. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Accessed September 2024. https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1966.114"

² Barringer JM. Atalanta as Model: The Hunter and the Hunted. Classical Antiquity. 1996;15(1): 48-76. www.jstor.org

³ The Myth of Atalanta. Hellenic Museum. https://www.hellenic.org.au/post/the-myth-of-atalanta

⁴ Lekythos. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/lekythos