Kalpis

The decoration below the upright handle on the back of this kalpis (pitcher) shows the hero Herakles, with his attributes of a club and a lionskin, carrying Eros, the winged young god of love. Such depictions of an older deity carrying an infant god were popular in Greek art in the period from about 400 to 300 B.C. Eros in particular was a favorite subject for artists of this period. The image on this kalpis is the earliest known representation of Eros paired with Herakles, perhaps symbolizing the triumph of love over physical strength.

Although most have not survived, vessels in precious metals must have been plentiful in the Greek world. Produced for the wealthy, luxury vessels in gold, silver, and bronze were created in the same shapes as the ceramic versions used for everyday household chores. The kalpis is a variant form of the more common hydria, a vessel used for carrying water. Often awarded as prizes in competitions and dedicated in sanctuaries, these valuable objects also served as cinerary urns and ballot boxes. Decorative appliqués or statuettes were usually cast separately and soldered or riveted to the exterior. The body of the Getty’s kalpis was hammered from a bronze sheet, while ornate attachments such as handles were added separately.