Background on Caeretan Hydria
Caeretan Hydriae are a series of about 40 vessels created in Caere, Etruria, and date to approximately 530 - 500 BCE. These vessels have been attributed to two potter-painters, who emigrated from Greece to Etruria. These painters are the Eagle Painter, and the Busiris painter.
These painters are thought to be Ionian artists who fled Persian invasion. There is some debate on whether they went straight to Etruria or briefly traveled to Egypt (which might explain why similar vessels can be found there). Either way, they settled in Caere in Etruria and created a workshop.
Hydriae are water carrying vessels, carried on the top of women's heads. They have two side handles and a pouring handle that connects the rim and the shoulder. They usually stand around 40-45 cm tall.
Caeretan Hydriae belong to the black-figure style, and usually depict mythological motifs. These motifs are often multi-colored in red, black, and white. Our Hydria has a scene depicting Herakles catching the Hind of Ceryneia but only in red and black.
