Apulia wine vessel

Apulia wine vessel

Produced in Apulia between 400-390 BC and manufactured in Taranto (southern Italy), attributed to the birth of the painter Dionysus, possibly originating from Barry's ceramics. This huge Apulian wine vessel, originally used for mixing wine and water at banquets, seems to have been made for funerals. The scene depicts Hercules being taken to Mount Olympus by Athena's chariot after his death, marking his immortal status as a god. Dionysus was one of the leading figures in the ancient Apulian decorative style, who created intricate compositions on large vases in a rich style. It is currently housed in the Brussels Museum of Art and History in Belgium.