Theft of Apollo's Cattle - Ancient Greek Vase Painting (original) (raw)
Greek Mythology >> Galleries >> Greek Vase Paintings 7 >> T23.1
T23.1 THE THEFT OF APOLLO'S CATTLE
DETAILS
| Museum Collection | Musée du Louvre, Paris |
|---|---|
| Catalogue No. | - |
| Beazley Archive No. | N/A |
| Ware | Caeretan Black Figure |
| Shape | Hydria |
| Painter | - |
| Date | ca 520 B.C. |
| Period | Archaic |
DESCRIPTION
Apollo demands the return of the cattle stolen by the infant Hermes. The god strides into the cave of Maia with arms raised. Hermes lies in a cradle, wrapped in swaddling cloth. Zeus stands beside Maia, present to adjudicate the dispute. The cattle are hidden in a thicket beside the cave entrance.
"When Hermes saw Apollon in a rage about his cattle, he snuggled down in his fragrant swaddling-clothes." - Homeric Hymn to Hermes