Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
500–480 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Archaic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.1.7246
Art Historical Context
This exquisite terracotta fragment from a kylix, or shallow drinking cup, dates to 500–480 BCE and bears the masterful hand of Makron, one of the finest Attic red-figure vase painters of the late Archaic period Makron, active in Athens during a time of cultural flourishing, was renowned for his dynamic compositions and elegant figures, often depicting mythological scenes or symposia—lively banquets where such cups played a central role. Though only a fragment survives, it exemplifies the red-figure technique, where artists painted black slip on fired clay and incised details to reveal the natu...
About the Artist
Makron
Makron stands as one of the most prolific masters of Attic red-figure vase painting, active in Athens around 490–480 BC during the late Archaic to early Classical transition.) Little is known of his early life or formal training, as such details remain undocumented for many ancient potters and painters of this era. Exclusively employing the red-figure technique—which allowed for intricate detailin...