Polyphemos reclining and holding a drinking bowl

[2] The terracotta figurine depicts Polyphemos, the Cyclops and antagonist of Odysseus in book nine of Homer’s Odyssey, as a dignified banqueter consuming wine.

This figurine depicts the scene in the Odyssey where, in order to escape death, Odysseus tricks Polyphemos to become highly intoxicated.

[5] Polyphemos reclining and holding a drinking bowl reflects the presence and importance of humor in ancient Greek culture.

It was common to mock Polyphemos within Greek art and literature, which is reflected by Euripides’ satirical play Cyclops.

Additionally, this terracotta figurine displays the traditional artistic portrayal of Cyclops during the Classical period.