Lizards, Lions, and the Uncanny in Early Greek Art

by Jeffrey M. Hurwit

Hesperia, Volume 75, Issue 1
Page(s): 121-136
Stable URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.2972/hesp.75.1.121
Publication Date: 2006

Period: Geometric, Archaic, and Classical
Subject: Iconography of the lizard, compared with sphnixes, gorgons, and lions

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ABSTRACT:An examination of the lizard in the imagery of Archaic Greek vase painting suggests that it was a figure of power and portent and often an omen of disaster. It is argued that the lizard should be ranked among such uncanny beasts as Gorgons, sphinxes, and at least one monumental feline from the Archaic Athenian Acropolis.