Theseus’ Tasks
In the middle of the picture Theseus drags the minotaur, half dead, out of the labyrinth. The artist has tried to depict the background of the story. The palace, the residence and prison of the Minotaur, is indicated by the beautifully decorated entrance, decorated with meanders (a pattern), which symbolize the labyrinth. Six other labors are represented around this central scene. From right below toward the left: Theseus lifts the bronze tub against Scyron (wash feet); a sea turtle climbs up a rock to eat his prey. Next Theseus catches the bull of Marathon; then he bends the pine trees, which Sinis holds; then he attacks the wild boar, Phaeas, while the old woman is begging him to pity her. Then he fights against Kerkyon, and then he fights Procrustes who lies on the bed, waiting for his death. [red figured kylix, c. 440 B.C., London Museum]