Jason Recognized By Pelias

III Style, Pompeii

Prince Jason (lower right), returning to his hometown to claim his birthright, is recognized during a festival by his uncle Pelias, who had usurped the throne of Jason's father. Pelias would subsequently send Jason on the quest of the Golden Fleece.

The picture is painted in spare, classical (Augustan) style. The isolation of the figures is typical of this variant of III Style. A sacrificial ox, wine-table, and garlanded participants establish the festival setting.