Greek Mythology >> Galleries >> Greek Vase Paintings 1 >> K4.4

K4.4 HERACLES, HERA & PORPHYRION

Heracles, Porphyrion & Hera | Attic red figure vase painting

DETAILS
Museum Collection	Musée du Louvre, Paris
Catalogue No.	Louvre S1677
Beazley Archive No.	217568
Ware	Attic Red Figure
Shape	Amphora
Painter	Attributed to the the Suessula Painter
Date	ca 400 - 390 B.C.
Period	Late Classical

DESCRIPTION

Detail of Hera, Heracles and the Gigante Porphyrion from a painting of the Gigantomachia (War of the Giants). In this scene the lust-filled Porphyrion seizes the goddess Hera, ripping her dress. The goddess' spear is cast awry and her Amazon-crescent shield seems to slip from her fingers. Porphyrion, draped in a panther skin and holding a torch, turns to face Zeus (above, not shown). The god aims his lightning bolt at the giant. To the left Heracles also comes to the rescue, aiming an arrow at the giant.

"Porphyrion rushed against Herakles and also Hera. Zeus instilled him with a passion for Hera, and when he tore her gown and wanted to rape her, she called for help, whereat Zeus hit him with a thunderbolt and Herakles slew him with an arrow." - Apollodorus, The Library 1.36

This image is montage of several photos of the vase.