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480 BC. Linos, the old man on the left side of the vase was music teacher to many famous personalities including Hercules. Hercules invited his brother to take lessons from the old teacher as well, and brother Iphicles appears on the vase opposite Linos. Both are playing lyres, an ancient stringed instrument.

Now Linos had occasion to remark that gentle, mannered Iphicles was a joy to tutor compared with his loutish big brother who seemed to be musically challenged, especially when it came to his strumming technique on the lyre. Note how Iphicles' eyes are focused on Linos' hands, trying to copy him exactly. Perhaps Iphicles had less on his mind and more time to practice than Hercules who was busy using his large motor skills on his famous twelve labors.

Whatever the reason, teacher Linos became angered one day at Hercules' ineptitude and began to insult him, to which his very large student responded by thumping him on the head with the violated instrument and ending the life of the music teacher.

Hercules was charged with murder, but like demi-gods before and after, was let off, quoting the "Law of Rodamanthis" which states that insults are a form of attack, and that to kill in this case is a manner of self-defense.

Between the two men, another stringed instrument called a "kithara", which is today the modern Greek word for guitar, and is similar in form to German zithers. The lyres held by the musicians could possibly have tortoiseshell sound boxes, and goats horns arms. The reverse of the vase depicts a walking woman playing an "avli", a double-barreled flute, and a man is carrying a low-toned stringed instrument called a "barbiton"- note the difference from the lyre in the way the arms start to come together again and are joined at the very top by a yoke.

This Red Figure Music Lesson Volute Amphora Greek Vase is made from terracotta, in a multicolor finish, and measures 9" H.

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Related Categories: Greek Vase , Music , Greco-Roman , NEW ITEMS