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Black-Figure Water Carrier (Hydria) wiith Heracles Wrestling Triton

Attributed To The Rycroft Painter
Culture Greek
Title Black-Figure Water Carrier (Hydria) wiith Heracles Wrestling Triton
Date 520–510 BCE
Medium Terracotta and added color
Dimensions Base: 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm)
Overall (with handle): 20 1/4 x 11 13/16 in. (51.4 x 30 cm)
rim diameter: 9 7/16 in. (24.1 cm)
Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 77.33

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About this Work

This hydria, or water vessel, depicts the struggle between the mortal hero Hercules and the fishtailed monster Triton. The artist was clearly interested in dramatic narrative and chose to present their confrontation as a vigorous wrestling match. The intertwined bodies are an early attempt at presenting figures moving in three-dimensional space, another bold choice on the part of this artist. The figures are also depicted with striking detail, calling further attention to the painter’s skill.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Black-Figure Water Carrier (Hydria) wiith Heracles Wrestling Triton | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=77.33