http://www.theoi.com/image/K8.2Athena.jpg
Heracles and Athena is a Greek vase which was made in around 490-470 BC (the late Archaic period). Python was the potter who made this vase, and Douris was the painter who painted it. In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess who helps and protects heroes, such as Heracles. Athena helped Heracles complete some of his twelve labours, which he had to do in order to repent himself. The vase shows Athena pouring wine for Heracles. Athena is holding an owl in her hand as well as a spear and she is wearing a "snake trimmed cloak". And Heracles is wearing his typical lion-skin cape. When we studied Ancient Greece we learned a bit about their mythology and how important it was to them. Since most of their art was of their gods, they must have been religious and really valued them, which we had learned about in class. When they had problems they visited the different gods and worshipped them depending on their situation. On the Greek packet there were many vases with paintings of gods as well. This type of art (pottery) shows what exactly the Greeks valued. The gods were important enough that artists took the time to make paintings and vases, etc. I can tell that the Greeks valued their gods since it affected their fate and daily lives. The gods even influenced their medicine and the methods they used for their health. Historians can look at these vases and other pieces of art and artifacts to learn more about the civilization; its culture, beliefs, values, etc. By looking at this vase, historians are able to know about Heracles and Athena and learn more as they find supporting artifacts. Overall, Ancient Greek art was very beautiful and the paintings on the vases were meaningful and unique.
Citation: Atsma, A. (2007). Heracles and Athena. In Ancient Greek Art. Retrieved October 20, 2009, from http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/K8.2.html
Heracles. (2009, October 18). Retrieved October 20, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracles
