Ancient Greek Art: Ariadne Abandoned on Naxos

Dionysus & Ariadne, with the departing Theseus led by Athena | Greek vase, Athenian red figure hydria

"Theseus had just sailed away, and left without pity the banished maiden asleep on the shore, scattering his promises to the winds. When Dionysos beheld deserted Ariadne sleeping, he mingled love with wonder." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 47.265

K12.17 ARIADNE ABANDONED ON NAXOS

Museum Collection: (not known where), Berlin, Germany
Museum Catalogue Number: F2179
Beazley Archive Number: 202898
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Hydria
Painter: Attributed to the Syleus Painter
Date: --
Period: Early Classical

SUMMARY

Athene commands Theseus to abandon Ariadne on the island of Naxos, and guides him back to his ship. Meanwhile Dionysos discovers the maiden and takes her away to become his immortal wife. Dionysos is here depicted as an older, bearded god wearing a wreath of ivy, Ariadne wears her crown, and Athene has her familiar snake-trimmed aigis-cloak.

NOTE This is a drawing of the vase rather than a photographic representation.

ARTICLES Dionysos, Ariadne, Athene