Terracotta pyxis (box)
Birth of Aphrodite
On this pyxis, women, who normally sit rather languidly with their caskets and perfume flasks, are galvanized into activity. The occasion is the birth—perhaps rather the advent—of Aphrodite. The goddess appears as a sprightly little girl being grasped by a comparatively mature Eros. Like Athena, Aphrodite was born fully dressed and ready for action.
On this pyxis, women, who normally sit rather languidly with their caskets and perfume flasks, are galvanized into activity. The occasion is the birth—perhaps rather the advent—of Aphrodite. The goddess appears as a sprightly little girl being grasped by a comparatively mature Eros. Like Athena, Aphrodite was born fully dressed and ready for action.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta pyxis (box)
- Artist: Attributed to the Wedding Painter
- Period: Classical
- Date: ca. 460–450 BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
- Dimensions: H. with cover 4 5/8 in. (11.8 cm); H. without cover 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm); greatest diameter of body 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1939
- Object Number: 39.11.8a, b
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Wedding Painter
460–450 BCE
Wedding Painter
460–450 BCE
Wedding Painter
460–450 BCE
Penthesilea Painter
ca. 465–460 BCE
Greek, South Italian, Campanian
4th century BCE
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.