Attic red-figure cup depicting Heracles against Antaios

The exterior of the cup depicts the two mythical inventors of wrestling, Heracles and Theseus. On the one side, Heracles applies a hold to his shoulder and defeats the Libyan giant Antaios, son of Poseidon and Gaia (Earth), who drew strength from his mother by standing on her. Behind the hero are his quiver, bow and club, while in front of the fallen Antaios a himation. In the background, the inscription «ΑΘΕΝΟΔΟΤΟΣ ΚΑΛΟΣ» (Athenodotos the fair) praises the beauty of the homonymous youth. On the other side, Theseus, brandishing his axe, attacks Skiron, the robber who flung his victims into the sea. Skiron, bleeding, holds out his hand pleadingly to the hero, as he tries to cling to the same rock from which he pushed off his victims. In the background, the petasos, himation, and scabbard with Theseus’ sword are hanging, while the inscription «ΚΑΛΟΣ» (fair) is also visible.

On the interior of the cup a youth performs a libation on an altar with an oinochoe and cup; on the latter’s rim is inscribed «Ο ΔΟΡΙ» (“O! Douris”), perhaps invoking the excellent vase painter Douris. In the background are preserved traces of the inscription «ΑΘΕΝΟΔΟΤΟΣ ΚΑΛΟΣ» (Athenodotos the fair).