PLATE XXIII
1. Herakles and Nereus
Just to the right of the centre of the composition Herakles may be distinguished by the lion-skin which he wears on his head and the front of his body; above his shoulders can be seen the rim of a quiver and the end of an unstrung bow. He stands with his feet wide apart so as to brace himself against the struggles of Nereus, whom he holds tightly in his arms. The sea-god is shown with human head and shoulders, while his body, which he lashes wildly about in his endeavours to escape, is that of a fish. At the left of the picture Hermes, with the caduceus (herald's wand), sandals, chlamys (a sort of cape), and petasos (travelling hat), draws near to the combat. The two frightened women on either side may be Nereids. From a black-figured lekythos of the late sixth century b.c., found at Gela (Monumenti Antichi, xvii, Plate XXV). See p. 87.
2. Herakles and the Cretan Bull
Herakles, a sinewy and beardless young man, is running beside the bull and endeavouring to retard its speed by pulling back on its right horn. In his right hand he is swinging his knotted club preparatory to dealing the creature a heavy blow. He is lightly clad for his strenuous task, wearing only a short, sleeveless chiton. On his head is a peculiar cap, with a conical crown and a projecting peak, such as is often worn by Hermes and Perseus. At his left side appears the hilt of a sword. From a black-figured lekythos with a white ground, found at Gela and apparently of the early fifth century b.c. (Monumenti Antichi, xvii, Plate XXVIII). See p. 84.
3. Herakles and Apollo
Herakles can be very easily identified by his club, lion-skin (the legs of which are knotted across his chest), and the quiver, out of which five shafts are protruding. In his left hand he grasps one of the legs of the Delphic tripod which he is trying to wrest from Apollo, a lithe, boyish figure bearing a laden quiver on his back. Directly in the path of Herakles and with her face toward him stands Athene, fully armed, and, behind her, Hermes with his characteristic attributes. The women who witness the contest cannot be identified. From a black-figured lekythos of the early fifth century b.c., found at Gela (Monumenti Antichi, xvii, Plate XXI H). See pp. 89-90.
