Book Title: Apotheosis vel consecratio Homeri : sive, Lapis antiquissimus in quo poëtarum principis Homeri consecratio sculpta est / commentario illustratus a Gisbertio Cupero. Accedunt Explicatio gemme Augustææ: Numismata antiqua explicata: Inscriptiones & marmora antiqua exposita & illustrata; nec non Utilitas quam ex numismatis principes capere possunt; auctore eodem.

Author: Cuper, Gisbert, 1644-1716

Image Title: The Battle of Centaurs and Lapiths

Description: An illustrated reproduction of a relief depicting a scene from Roman poet Ovid’s (43 BCE – 17/18 CE) eleventh book “The Metamorphoses,” his most popular catalogue about transformation in Greek and Roman mythology tied together with a loose mytho-historical framework. The image depicts the Battle of the Centaurs and Lapiths at the wedding of King Pirithous and Hippodamia. In the center of the relief is Eurytus, the drunken centaur who instigated the battle by attempting to carry off the bride. Below Eurytus and to his right are the effects of the battle, including an overturned drinking vessel, headless body, and another centaur who joins Eurtyus in overturning a table and trampling two opponents. Above the wreckage, an angel presents a laurel wreath to King Pirithous and Hippodamia, signifying the marriage ceremony. Another woman and a small boy in armor join Pirithous and Hippodamia atop a chariot. According to Homer’s Odyssey, Eurytus used his archery skills to challenge Apollo and was killed by the god for his presumption and pride. Eurytus’ bow was then passed to Iphitus, who gave it to his friend, Odysseus. Odysseus then used the weapon to kill the suitors attempting to claim Penelope, his wife, when he returned to his home in Ithaca.

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Rights Status: No Copyright - United States
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