Amphora of
the Gorgonsfrom Eleusis in the Archaic period, circa 700 bce. The Gorgons are described as chasing Perseus, the slayer of Medusa. Their faces are mask-like with wide-set eyes, and the serpents coil up on either side of their heads.
Another view, not a great shot, but a closeup. This vessel was used to bury a child, which implies that the Gorgons were still seen as protective powers.
Full view of the amphora with wolves and Odysseus putting out a giant's eye in top panel. Look at those handles, which carry on the snake handles that begin with Cretan offering stands (snake tubes) and continue into the Archaic Greek period. |
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Below, classic Gorgons with grimacing face, wings, and athletic legs. From Nessos.
Right, a double-winged Gorgon with tattoos and waterbirds, and surrounded by ssun-signs, lozenges, and curly swastikas. Rhodes, circa 550 bce
Perseus slaying a passive Medusa who is shown as being half-horse. (One of the Gorgons at Corfu also has horse attributes.) A lizard floats above her body. At left, a palmate tree sign shows the Syrian influence on archaic Greek art.
