Persephone’s Ascension: An Artistic Tribute
Attributed to the renowned Persephone Painter, this exquisite terracotta bell-krater, dating back to approximately 440 BCE, is currently displayed at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 153. The artwork beautifully depicts the ascent of Persephone from the underworld on its obverse side, while the reverse features a serene libation scene.
In Greek mythology, Persephone, daughter of Demeter, was destined to spend half of each year in the underworld with Hades, the god ruling the realm of the dead. This grand depiction shows Persephone emerging from a rocky formation, with both Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and Hekate, a goddess associated with magic and the underworld, accompanying her. Hekate is characteristically carrying torches, symbolizing her control over the darker aspects of life. Standing proudly on the far right is Demeter, who eagerly awaits the return of her beloved daughter, which symbolizes the rejuvenation of life during the seasons.
Artwork Overview
- Title: Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
- Artist: Attributed to the Persephone Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: Circa 440 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; Red-Figure
- Dimensions: Height 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); Mouth Diameter 17 7/8 in. (45.4 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1928
- Accession Number: 28.57.23
This bell-krater serves as a vessel for mixing wine and water, significant for the ancient Greek symposium—a gathering for socializing and celebrating. The artwork is part of a larger collection of over 30,000 works of Greek and Roman art preserved at The Met, which spans from the Neolithic era to the time of Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century A.D.
Cultural Significance
The artistic legacy of the Persephone Painter highlights enduring themes in the mythology of the Olympian gods. It reflects familial complexities and the cyclical nature of life and death, as symbolized by the changing seasons brought about by Persephone’s dual existence in both realms.
The Met also provides invaluable resources through its Libraries and Research Centers, welcoming scholars and students to delve deeper into the historical and cultural context of its vast collection.
Through the artistic lens of the Persephone Painter, this bell-krater not only serves as a functional piece but also as a profound narrative entwining mythology, art, and human experience.
