DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.7897#0111
( 93 )
PLATE XXXIX.
In vases of an early epoch, where the figures are black on a yellow or light
ground, it may be noticed, that a white colour is often superadded to the
faces, hands, and other uncovered parts of the body in female figures, to dis-
tinguish them from those of the other sex. This rule, however, is not invaria-
ble, and sometimes, as in the present instance, exceptions are found.
The subject appeared at first sight, to present the combat of Hercules
against the Amazones; but, finding a repetition of it on other vases, where
the figures are entirely black, it appears more probable that the combat with
the Actorides was intended (i).
Eurytus and Cteatus (2), the sons of Actor by Molione, and from the name
of their mother, called sometimes Molionides, were distinguished by their
strength and prowess. When Hercules, frustrated of the reward promised him
by Augeas, made war against Elis, he Avas repulsed in various attacks, by the
valour of the sons of Actor. Unable to succeed by force, he had recourse to
artifice, and placing himself in ambush, he killed them by surprize, as they
were going to the Isthmian games. Deprived of their assistance, Elis fell an
easy prey to the Theban hero.
From the difficulty and danger of this exploit, Pindar (3) associates it with
that against Cycnus, of which we have just seen a representation; and both
were figured on the throne of Bathycles (4), at Amycla?. To this celebrity, may
be attributed the frequent repetition of the subject.
Hercules is distinguished by his usual attributes, the lion's skin and club.
The two warriors opposed to him, are the Actorides. One who is wounded has
fallen, and the other endeavours to protect him. The third warrior, maybe
Augeas, or a follower of the Actorides, who, terrified, quits the field.
The design is extremely incorrect, but from the spirit and action of the
figures, the rude execution seems intended to imitate the archaic style.
(1) From a vase in the possession of the au-
thor. The figures are of the original size.
(2) They were the supposed sons of Actor,
but in reality of Neptune, V. Pherecyd. Frag.
47- — Apollodorus, lib. 11, cap. 7, 1. — These
authors suppose their bodies were united ,
and that their strength was great in propor-
tion; but Homer makes no mention of this
circumstance, evidently a subsequent addi-
tion.— Homer. Iliad. B. Gai, A. 749, 638.
(3) Olymp. Od. x,ve/s 26, seqq.
(4) Pausan. lib. in, cap. 18.
PLATE XXXIX.
In vases of an early epoch, where the figures are black on a yellow or light
ground, it may be noticed, that a white colour is often superadded to the
faces, hands, and other uncovered parts of the body in female figures, to dis-
tinguish them from those of the other sex. This rule, however, is not invaria-
ble, and sometimes, as in the present instance, exceptions are found.
The subject appeared at first sight, to present the combat of Hercules
against the Amazones; but, finding a repetition of it on other vases, where
the figures are entirely black, it appears more probable that the combat with
the Actorides was intended (i).
Eurytus and Cteatus (2), the sons of Actor by Molione, and from the name
of their mother, called sometimes Molionides, were distinguished by their
strength and prowess. When Hercules, frustrated of the reward promised him
by Augeas, made war against Elis, he Avas repulsed in various attacks, by the
valour of the sons of Actor. Unable to succeed by force, he had recourse to
artifice, and placing himself in ambush, he killed them by surprize, as they
were going to the Isthmian games. Deprived of their assistance, Elis fell an
easy prey to the Theban hero.
From the difficulty and danger of this exploit, Pindar (3) associates it with
that against Cycnus, of which we have just seen a representation; and both
were figured on the throne of Bathycles (4), at Amycla?. To this celebrity, may
be attributed the frequent repetition of the subject.
Hercules is distinguished by his usual attributes, the lion's skin and club.
The two warriors opposed to him, are the Actorides. One who is wounded has
fallen, and the other endeavours to protect him. The third warrior, maybe
Augeas, or a follower of the Actorides, who, terrified, quits the field.
The design is extremely incorrect, but from the spirit and action of the
figures, the rude execution seems intended to imitate the archaic style.
(1) From a vase in the possession of the au-
thor. The figures are of the original size.
(2) They were the supposed sons of Actor,
but in reality of Neptune, V. Pherecyd. Frag.
47- — Apollodorus, lib. 11, cap. 7, 1. — These
authors suppose their bodies were united ,
and that their strength was great in propor-
tion; but Homer makes no mention of this
circumstance, evidently a subsequent addi-
tion.— Homer. Iliad. B. Gai, A. 749, 638.
(3) Olymp. Od. x,ve/s 26, seqq.
(4) Pausan. lib. in, cap. 18.