Vase 31849: Herakles Fighting The Nemean Lion

Vase 31849: Herakles Fighting the Nemean Lion

Vase 31849 features Herakles’ first labor: that of the killing of the Nemean Lion. It is a black-figure amphora B from 550-500 BC. An Athenian vase, it is currently held on the market in London at the Sotheby’s Art Auction. It has been published in the Sotheby sale catalogue under the code, “10.7.1990, NO.278,” while at the Hesperia Art Auction in New York it was under the code, “27.11.1990, 2, NO.28”, and some photographs are also in the Beazley Archive.
The choice of an amphora for this depiction is quite clever as often times amphoras would be kept in the home to serve as storage for oil and wine and be well painted to serve as decoration. As it was crafted between 550-500 BC, this vase is part

However, unlike many renditions of this myth, he is not in the act of strangling it. In fact, it appears as if he has not quite figured out how to kill it. This is evident by how Iolaus, his nephew, is holding his club and gesturing while Herakles seemingly stabs the lion in the chest with a knife or dagger. As the myth goes, the Nemean Lion was immune to all weapons and Herakles had to use his godly strength to subdue it. The artist may have indicated the intended ending to the myth through how Herakles is grasping at the jaws of the lion, but decided to feature him fighting it, rather than on the cusp of victory. The Nemean Lion is well balanced on Herakles, its front paw wrapped around his torso, while its hind paw is balanced on his leg, likely to break up the negative space around the figures. While they are likely also used to balance the piece compositionally, Athena and Hermes, two gods who often helped Herakles during his quests, can be seen watching the battle. Athena often appeared in many of his myths, especially the labors, and thus it is no surprise that she appears here for the first of the twelve. However, Hermes is not often seen in artistic retellings of this myth. He is more commonly seen in some of the other labors, especially Herakles’ final labor: where he must bring Cerberus from the Underworld. Despite this, the combined presence of Athena and Hermes indicates that this is a quest and one that is encouraged by the gods. The way Athena is gesturing may also indicate that she is trying to influence the tide of the battle; perhaps by encouraging Herakles to try different tactics. This type of influence would not be outside of her sphere as she is the goddess of strategy. The balance of the piece is disrupted, however, by the figures intruding on the vase’s neck decoration. Athena’s helmet and spear, as well as Hermes’ hat go above the main