Ganymedes (bell krater)

Ganymedes is a bell krater, one of the most famous Greek vases in history. It is said to have been crafted in the 5th century BCE, probably by a famous artist who had one too many glasses of ouzo.

The vase is made of red clay, which is an odd choice considering it depicts a young man being carried off by Zeus in the form of an eagle. It seems the artist was not concerned with historical accuracy or practicality, and instead just wanted to create a piece that would make people say “Wow, that’s messed up.”

The scene on the vase shows Ganymedes, a handsome prince, being lifted from the earth by Zeus, who has the body of an eagle but the head of a creepy old man. It’s a classic tale of kidnapping and godly lust, but rendered in a way that’s both beautiful and disturbing.

What makes Ganymedes particularly hilarious is the fact that it’s a bell krater, which is a type of ancient Greek vase used for mixing wine and water. In other words, its original purpose was to facilitate drinking, not to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seducing minors.

Despite its somewhat problematic subject matter, Ganymedes is widely regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Greek art. It has inspired countless other works of art over the centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and even a few fanfictions.

If you’re ever in Greece and happen to come across a bell krater that depicts a god abducting a teenage boy, be sure to take a closer look. It might just be Ganymedes, the vase that proves that even the ancient Greeks had a sense of humor.