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Greek Mythology >> Galleries >> Greek Vase Paintings 1 >> K7.1

K7.1 THE RETURN OF HEPHAESTUS

Return of Hephaestus | Attic red figure vase painting
DETAILS
Museum Collection Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo
Catalogue No. Toledo 1982.88
Beazley Archive No. 11777
Ware Attic Red Figure
Shape Skyphos
Painter Attributed to the Kleophon Painter
Date ca. 430 - 420 B.C.
Period Classical

DESCRIPTION

Hephaestus returns to Olympus riding a donkey and carrying hammer and tongs. He is led by Dionysus, who bears a thyrsos (pine-cone tipped staff) and drinking cup, and a Satyriscus (child Satyr) playing a flute. Hera sits trapped on a throne--a cursed gift from Hephaestus who wished to punish her for casting him from heaven at birth. She wears a crown and veil and is attended by a goddess, perhaps Hebe, holding a (peacock?) feather fan.

"Hephaistos refused to listen to any other of the gods save Dionysos - in him he reposed the fullest trust - and after making him drunk Dionysos brought him to heaven." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 1.20.3

This image is a montage of several photos of the vase.

IMAGE DETAIL 1

Hephaestus Riding Donkey | Attic red figure vase painting

Detail of Hephaestus riding an ass.

IMAGE DETAIL 2

Hera & Satyriscus | Attic red figure vase painting

Detail of the goddess Hera.

ARTICLES

Hephaestus, Dionysus, Satyrs, Hera, Hebe