Eileithyia and Hera Assisting Zeus in the Birth of Athena
Vase painting, 5th century BCE
Athena emerges in full armor with shield and spear from the top of Zeus’ head. While Eileithyia was often called upon by Greek women giving birth, she appeared most often in Greek art in depictions of the birth of Athena.
Louvre CA616; photograph by Maria Daniels