The Myth on the Bernardini Tomb Silver Bowl as a Hunting Narrative

Abstract

This article offers a mythological and narrative interpretation of the scene depicted on the famous silver bowl from the Bernardini tomb. Beyond formal and iconographic analysis, the authors explore the possible historical and ritual context of the composition. They argue that the image does not simply represent a generic hunting scene, but rather a specific mythological narrative whose characters can be identified with figures from Greek mythology. Emphasizing the central role of the hunt motif and the unique structure of the composition, the study suggests that the bowl’s narrative reflects ideals of heroic virtue, struggle with nature, and the imposition of order. The article contributes new insights into the interplay of Eastern and Greek cultural motifs in archaic art.