Vase Catalog Number: Malibu 85.AE.316

Decoration:

The rim is decorated with a band of tongues. The main panel on the shoulder is bordered on top by a band of meanders and squares, on the sides by zigzags, and on the bottom by short dotted tongues. In the scene itself, Phineus is seated on the far left on a stool with a skyphos placed underneath. In front of him is a low table filled with foodstuffs. Two of the Harpies are approaching it from the right, one already reaching for the food, while a third darts away with her loot in her hands. Phineus raises his arms, apparently both in a futile attempt to defend himself and in despair at the event. He is wearing a shortsleeved himation, an ivy wreath, and an additional wrap over his left shoulder. The Harpies each wear shortsleeved chitons decorated with horizontal black stripes on the semi-transparent skirts.

Collection History:

European art market.

Sources Used:

Offprint from The J. Paul Getty Museum Journal, vol. 14 (1986), Acquisitions 1985, p. 192, no. 51.

(Deirdre Beyer-Honça)