SOURCE Medea Vase Flashcards
What is the provenance of the source ?
400 BC
Calyx which was a large vase for mixing wine and water
What is the significance of this source (Have an image up if unsure which vase this is)
1) two sons laying on the alter which therefore provides us evidence of an Ekkyklema which was made to look like an altar
2) Medea flying in air above the lower part of the vase- solid evidence for the mechane as it could lift figures above frame, conventionally used for gods so this could be an artist interpretation
3) vivid scene provides evidence that plays re performed
4) Medea wears highly conventional elaborate clothing typical of Green tragedy considering intricacy and detail moreover sleeves could be attempt to show a man playing her
5) Euripides version depicts Medea killing sons vase provides evidence that his influence of the play
What are the limitations of this source ?
1) differs from the actual scene as kids depicted below placed on altar instead they are in the chariot with Medea in the play
2) people/ figures on the right hand side are not visible
3) vase dated to 400BC yet the play was written in 431BC meaning it was painted 31 years later after the play was performed meaning it could be an artists interpretation and not accurate to the stage
Which is a general point about artists in the 5th century ?
Would typically depict scenes from plays but not directly mirror images of what occurred instead having a leniency to draw more from myth rather than the theatre
