Heracles and the lion : Analysis of a black-figure lekythos from the Gustavianum collection

Sammanfattning: This study analyzes the appearance of the myth of Heracles and the Nemean lion on a lekythos from the Uppsala University Museum Gustavianum collection in Uppsala. The lekythos is a small oil vessel generally associated with fifth century B.C. burials. Heracles and the Nemean lion’s commonly found depiction in this context is not obvious on a superficial level, requiring further analysis to answer the question how the motif can be related to the object’s specific context. To investigate the complex relationship between myth and object the study uses the theoretical approach of a myth’s depiction on object’s being highly relevant to how the myth is viewed and consumed, being determined by its context and observer. The thesis approaches the individual artifact through an iconographic analysis and analyzes additional black-figure lekythoi produced between 550–475 B.C. to establish a chronological context of progression in the motif. The study uses ancient literary sources to further establish a societal context. Through the analysis the examination can determine a probable date of the lekythos and a context surrounding its production. Furthermore, the study concludes that the relevance of Heracles is partly based on his relevance in society overall and his role as a figure representing the male ideal and immortality.