Krater with depiction of The Myth of Heracles Gone Mad in the Theatre Asteas, Paestum. 350-320 BCE.

The Myth of Heracles Gone Mad in the Theatre
This scene depicts a theatrical production. On the stage, we see Heracles driven to destroy his own family by the spirits of madness: he is about to throw his son, whom he holds in his arms, onto the pyre where all of his household goods are already burning. At the door, his terrified wife Megara puts her hands to her head. From the gallery above, Heracles's mother Alcmena and his friend lolaus observe the scene. To the left, the goddess Mania personifies madness. The play being performed might be Heracles by Euripides.

Exhibited in the Madrid National Archaeological Museum, Madrid, Spain.

Tags:
Art Ceramics Classical Clay Heracles (Hercules) Krater Madrid Madrid National Archaeological Museum Mythology Original Photo Pottery Spain