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O2.1 THE SACRIFICE OF ALKMENE
Museum Collection: British Museum, London, United Kingdom
Catalogue Number: London F149
Beazley Archive Number: N/A
Ware: Paestan Red Figure
Shape: Bell krater
Painter: Signed by Python
Date: ca 350 - 340 BC
Period: Late Archaic
SUMMARY
Amphitryon sets his wife Alkmene on a burning pyre, after she claims to have lost her virginity to Zeus on the bridal night when the god came to her in the guise of her own husband. Zeus gazes down from heaven and despatches the Nephelai (clouds) to quench the flames. The rainbow is sent as a sign of the god's favour for the heroine. Hera meanwhile looks on with jealous gaze.
ARTICLES Nephelai, Zeus, Hera
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