Ippolito e le immagini erotiche : Eur. Hipp. 1005 e un possibile riferimento alla pittura vascolare

In the third episode of Euripides’ Hippolytus, the confrontation between Theseus and his son Hippolytus centers around the latter’s defense against accusations of sexual assault by his stepmother Phaedra. Hippolytus proclaims his ignorance of Aphrodite’s practices, claiming knowledge of erotic acts only through hearsay and visual representations, specifically, paintings (γραφῇ τε λεύσσων, Eur. Hipp. 1005). This study explores the hypothesis that the reference to visual imagery in this passage alludes to erotic vase paintings rather than other forms of art. This article seeks to substantiate the vase painting hypothesis through lexical analysis and a review of Greek artistic references. Furthermore, it examines how vase paintings, especially those with erotic themes, played a significant educational role in Athenian society, contrasting with Hippolytus’ ascetic stance, which highlights his deviation from societal norms.