Καλλιτεχνική Απεικόνιση Μουσειακού Εκθέματος σε Πραγματικό Μέγεθος
Artistic Representation of a Museum Exhibit in Real Size
Museum Copy in Real Size
An Athenian red-figure squat lekythos, dated to ca. 420–400 BCE, attributed to the Manner of the Meidias Painter. Found on the Hill of the Muses in Athens, it now belongs to the collection of the British Museum, London.
The central scene features the goddess Aphrodite, seated beneath a tree on raised ground, with Eros perched on her shoulder in a gesture of affection. She is surrounded by allegorical female figures — personifications of abstract concepts: Paideia (Play), Eunomia (Good Order), Peitho (Persuasion), Eudaimonia (Happiness), and Kleopatra (Noble Lineage). These figures carry ritual baskets, fruit trays, and ribbons, suggesting acts of offering or procession.
Aphrodite is richly dressed with embroidered garments, elaborate jewelry, and a double sphendone. Eros is winged and lovingly interacts with the goddess. Around them, Eudaimonia picks fruit from a tree, Peitho arranges olive sprigs in a kanoun (processional basket), Paideia offers a ribbon to Eunomia, and Kleopatra approaches with a tray of fruits and a string of beads.
Each figure is named by inscription, and the composition blends mythological, cultic, and symbolic elements, illustrating the refined, idealized world of Aphrodite. This lekythos exemplifies the decorative richness and allegorical depth of the “florid” style of late Classical Attic vase painting.
