From Ant. Denkm.
FIG. 115. POSEIDON AND AMPHITRITE ON A CORINTHIAN PINAX.
Poseidon is a figure somewhat rare in archaic art as a whole, especially in statuary, but is more frequently seen on vases, mostly in groups of deities, or as a spectator of events taking place in or under the sea, his domain. Among subjects already discussed, he is present at the birth of Athena,[[129]] at the nuptials of Zeus and Hera,[[130]] and in assemblies of the Olympian gods, generally with his consort Amphitrite[[131]]; he also takes part in the Gigantomachia and the reception of Herakles into Olympos.[[132]] He is represented in a group with his brother deities of the higher and nether world, Zeus and Hades[[133]]; with Apollo, Athena, Ares, and Hermes[[134]]; among the Eleusinian deities at the sending forth of Triptolemos[[135]]; and occasionally in Dionysiac scenes as a companion of the wine-god.[[136]] As a single figure he is frequently found on the series of archaic tablets or pinakes found near Corinth, and also in company with Amphitrite (Fig. [115])[[137]]; on later vases not so frequently.[[138]] In one instance he rides on a bull,[[139]] in others on a horse, sometimes winged[[140]]; elsewhere he drives in a chariot with Amphitrite and other deities[[141]]; he watches the Sun-god in his car rising out of the waves[[142]]; and one vase has the curious subject of Poseidon, Herakles, and Hermes engaged in fishing.[[143]]
PLATE L
From Baumeister.
Athena and Poseidon Contending for Attica; Vase from Kertch (at Petersburg).
Among scenes in which he plays an active part the most interesting is the dispute with Athena for the ownership of Attica, also represented on the west pediment of the Parthenon[[144]]; his love adventures, especially his pursuit of Amymone[[145]] and Aithra,[[146]] are common subjects, but in many cases the object of his pursuit cannot be identified.[[147]] He receives Theseus under the ocean,[[148]] and possibly in one case Glaukos, on his acceptance as a sea-god[[149]]; he is also present at the former’s recognition by Aigeus.[[150]] He is seen at the death of Talos,[[151]] and with Europa crossing the sea.[[152]] In conjunction with other deities, chiefly on late Italian vases, he is present as a spectator of various episodes, such as the adventures of Bellerophon, Kadmos, or Pelops, the rape of Persephone, the creation of Pandora, the death of Hippolytos, and in one historical scene, a battle of Greeks and Persians.[[153]] He superintends several of the adventures of Herakles, notably those in which he is specially interested, as the contests with Antaios and Triton[[154]]; and he supports Hera in her combat with that hero.[[155]] He is also seen with Perseus on his way to slay Medusa,[[156]] and among the Gorgons after that event.[[157]]
In connection with Poseidon it may be convenient to mention here other divinities and beings with marine associations—such as Okeanos, Nereus, and Triton, and the Nereids or sea-nymphs, daughters of Nereus, with the more rarely occurring Naiads. Of these the name of Okeanos occurs but once, on the François vase. The figure itself has disappeared, but the marine monster on which he rides to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, and the inscription, remain. Nereus appears as a single figure, with fish-tail and trident,[[158]] but is most frequently met with in connection with the capture of his daughter Thetis by Peleus, either as a spectator or receiving the news from a Nereid.[[159]] He also watches the contest of Herakles with Triton,[[160]] himself encountering the hero in some cases.[[161]] On one vase Herakles has seized his trident and threatens him by making havoc of his belongings.[[162]] He appears at Herakles’ combat with Kyknos,[[163]] and at his apotheosis,[[164]] and also offers a crown to Achilles.[[165]] In one case he is found in Dionysos’ company.[[166]] With his daughter Doris he watches the pursuit of another Nereid by Poseidon.[[167]]