Ajax seizing crouching Cassandra before the Palladion [570-560BCE]

Ajax seizing crouching Cassandra before the Palladion

(It looks like Ajax is fighting with the statue of Athena, so the two are almost head to head. Little Cassandra, on the other hand, is crouching on the ground in front of the statue. Ajax is described in antiquity as a giant.)

[570-560BCE]

Kylix Siana cup

London BM 1885,1213.11

Attributed to The C Painter

Made in: Attica (Greece)

Findspot: Dodecanese: Rhodes: Siana

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Interior, in a medallion with borders of dots and tongue-pattern: Ajax seizing Cassandra at the Palladion: Ajax to right, bearded, with high-crested helmet, white cuirass with incised lines, short purple chiton with chevron border, purple greaves, sword-belt and sheath, drawn sword in right hand, is about to slay Cassandra, whom he has seized with left hand. She crouches to left at the feet of the Palladion, her head being hidden behind it; she is nude, with left hand extended in supplication to Ajax. The goddess is represented standing to left, with long tresses, high-crested helmet, long diapered chiton with chevron border, spear brandished in right hand, shield painted purple with Gorgoneion in white, the features incised, eyes and tongue purple. Behind is a Bird-Siren to right looking back, with wings outspread, long hair and fillet. In the field are two lotus-buds. In the exergue, a row of lotus-buds.

 

Source: London BM

www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1885-1213-11

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