Fragmentary Red-Figure Kylix (Drinking Cup): Warrior Sacrificing Ram
Unknown Artist
c. 490–480 BCE
Medium
ceramic
Dimensions
diam. 10.1 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Dudley P. Allen Fund
Accession Number
1926.242
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Scenes of sacrifice are rare in Greek art before the late 4th century BC. The warrior may be sacrificing the ram as a magical act before battle to save his own and his company's lives. A faded inscription, partly lost, does not identify the warrior; rather, it praises Chairias, probably an Athenian youth. Enough remains of the exterior of the cup to show that it was undecorated.