No * C 31
London, British Museum E 410
Red-figure pelike from Vulci
The painter of the birth of Athena

Zeus is seated on a throne. He is represented facing, head in profile to the right. The feet rest on a footstool. The right arm is extended almost horizontally forward, with palm turned downward and extended fingers. The left arm is extended obliquely upward, the hand holding a staff. The god has a pointed beard and wears his hair bound up, with a wreath. His dress consists of a chiton and a himation, which covers the left shoulder.

Athena is represented emerging from the head of Zeus in a sprinting position, head and legs in profile to the right, the body almost facing. Her dress presumably consists of a peplos and the aigis. The aigis seems to be covered with metal scales and is bordered by a fringe of serpents. She wears a helmet and holds a spear in the right hand.

There are two deities on each side of the picture. On the right a goddess, the right forearm extended obliquely upward, the left forearm extended horizontally forward, with palms turned towards each other, and Artemis, identified by the bow. On the left side stand two gods identified as Hephaistos, by the axe, and Poseidon, by the trident.

The throne has rectangular legs, decorated with double
palmettes, geometrical figures and double volutes. It is backless.

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