"Iliou Persis" [Ἰλίου Πέρσις] "The Sack Of Troy" - VIII

The inner medallion shows one of the most famous event narrated in the poem Ilioupersis: Ajax (Ajax the Lesser or Ajax Oileus) seizes and captures Cassandra at the Palladion, a votive sculpture dedicated to Athena.

Ajax, 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 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.

Exterior: two friezes (a) Apotheosis of Heracles, (b) Combat of two warriors (perhaps Achilles and Memnon).

 

Attic Black-figured kylix - 'Siana' shape

H. 19.0 cm; W. 33.4 cm;

To the manner of The C Painter

570 – 580 BC

From Siana, Rhodes

London, The British Museum - No. 1885,1213.11

 

Done