Further images
Stemless kylix with incised decoration on tondo showing a caricature of a male with enormous head, short, receding hair, scrubby beard, prominent up-tilted nose, raised right hand, a spear cradled in his left, and an oversize phallus, a Greek inscription written backwards reads AKRISIOS. A border of key pattern and three sets of groups of four dots surrounds the figure, a central dot and ring to the reserved underside. Recomposed, some misfiring to the handles and to a section of the bowl’s exterior.
Though the cup is of typical form, the decoration is exceptionally rare.
Akrisios, a legendary king of Argos, was the father of Danaë and grandfather of the hero Perseus. Forewarned by a prophecy that his grandson would one day cause his death, he attempted to prevent it, but fate prevailed. Years later, Perseus unintentionally killed him during a discus-throwing contest. Akrisios was the son of Abas and Aglaia and the twin brother of Proetus.
Provenance
R.S.L. collection, London, UK; acquired prior to 1999Accompanied by letters from the relevant Greek and Italian authorities renouncing any current or future claim over this piece.
