|travertine cinerary urn of a woman -- from territory of Perugia -- 2nd century BCE|
The grown Minotaur appears was a popular theme in Greek (particularly Athenian) art, and I know of one example of the baby Minotaur on Pasiphaë's lap, depicted in a red-figure kylix from Eturia (of Attic manufacture), below.
|Pasiphaë and the Minotaur. Tondo of an Attic red-figure kylix, 340-320 BC. From Vulci. Now at BnF -- Paris, Cabinet de Medailles.|
There are also multiple examples of Theseus and the Minotaur. However, the Perugia urn was the first example I had seen of Minos' encounter with Pasiphaë's newborn son and the attempt at violence that followed. Why this would be a fitting subject for a cinerary urn at all, I am unsure. Perhaps the kylix from Etruria indicates that the story of baby Minotaur was popular in Northern Italy by the fourth century, in which case the cinerary urn could suggest the continuing popularity of the theme into the second century. However, I would like to find out if there are other representations of the birth scene and Minos' reaction from northern Italy, or elsewhere. So, if readers know of any additional examples, please send them on!
In response to reader requests, I have added a photo of the Perugia Museum's label for the cinerary urn featuring Minos attempting to kill the baby Minotaur. Enjoy!