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Document Details :

Title: The Natural History of a Caeretan Hydra
Author(s): PAPADOPOULOS, John K.
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 91    Date: 2016   
Pages: 69-85
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.91.0.3175644

Abstract :
One of the most extraordinary renderings of various sea creatures is the well-known and often-published Caeretan hydria now in the Niarchos Collection. In contrast to the accurately rendered seal, which is rare in Greek art of all periods, octopus, and dolphins, the central creature that dominates the scene is usually considered as an imaginary sea monster, a ketos. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the central creature is no sea monster, but a fairly accurate representation of one of the most elusive creatures of the sea: an oarfish, of the family Regalecidae.

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