This Athenian red-figure stamnos is attributed to the Siren Painter and dates between 500 and 450 BCE, most likely around 480–470 BCE. It originates from Etruria, probably Vulci, and is currently housed in the British Museum in London.
Side A presents the famous mythological scene of Odysseus bound to the mast of his ship as he sails past the Sirens. The ship is rendered with remarkable detail: oars, steering paddles, mast, rigging, and fabric are shown in varied tones and meticulous lines. Odysseus, crowned and bearded, is tied with his arms behind his back and gazes toward the Sirens, who stand on rocky cliffs. One spreads her wings, another stands still, and a third plunges headfirst into the sea — apparently already lifeless. The names "Olysseus" (Odysseus) and "Himeropa" (a Siren) are inscribed above the figures.
Side B features three Erotes flying over the sea. One holds a ribbon, another a hare, and another a vine tendril or flower sprig — symbols of love, gift, and offering. The first Eros is labeled Himeros (Desire), while the others are accompanied by the words Kalos and Kasos Kalos ("Kasos is beautiful").
The vase is richly decorated with panels of meanders, tongue, egg, and net patterns, and makes use of added color (purple, brown) for details such as Sirens’ wings, garlands, hare’s fur, and the sea. It stands as one of the most intricate and iconic depictions of Odysseus and the Sirens in Classical Greek vase painting.
