Ancient Greek Art: The Head of Orpheus

Calliope & the head of Orpheus on Lesbos | Greek vase, Athenian red figure hydria

K20.7 THE HEAD OF ORPHEUS

Museum Collection: Antikenmuseum und Sammlung Ludwig, Basel, Switzerland
Catalogue Number: Basel BS481
Beazley Archive Number: 3735
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Hydria
Painter: Attributed to the Group of Polygnotos
Date: ca 440 BC
Period: Classical

ARTICLES

Mousai, Kalliope

SUMMARY

A man recovers the severed head of the poet Orpheus which has washed up on the shores of the island of Lesbos. The head is still alive and giving prophetic utterances. Beside him the Mousa Kalliope leans forward on her lyre. She is the divine mother of the dead poet.