Water jar (hydria) depicting Io and Argos
On shoulder, between lotus bud chains at top and bottom, the heifer Io bounces to left over a meadow or pasture. In the foreground, her multi-eyed guardian, Argos, flees to the same direction while turning his head back and raising a club to defend himself against the god Hermes, who is drawing his sword. At left, a standing woman, holding a scepter and temple key—probably a priestess of Hera—and, behind her, a bearded man leaning on a walking stick and raising a hand. At right, a woman gesturing in surprise. The latter might represent Io’s parents, Inachos and Melia. The altar and Doric column nearby situates the scene in the sanctuary of Hera at Argos. Details added in brown and red.
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)