Black-figure Amphora

The piece of art I chose to discuss in my paper is a Black-Figure Neck-Amphora that came from Attica, Greece in the late 6th century B.C. There are a total of 5 characters depicted in the painting. The first is Herakles, who was the Greatest of Greek Heroes. Herakles was born in Thebes and the son of Zeus and Alkmene. Also in the painting is Kerberos who was Hades’ watchdog for the underworld and has three heads, a serpents tail, and a lion’s claws. The very relevant person for recognizing the paintings historical context is, Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom and Herakles half sister. And last but not least, Hermes, who is the god of speed.
In this particular piece Herakles and Kerberos are being watched by Athena and Hermes while they meet with a king. It is probably showing Herakles on one of his adventures to complete the twelve great labors. The objects in the painting are still life and they are standing in a throne room. How I can tell is ...