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
2011.604.1.7270
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of ancient Athens with this terracotta fragment from a kylix, a shallow drinking cup favored at symposia—lively social gatherings where elite men reclined, drank wine, and debated philosophy. Crafted by Makron, one of the most prolific Attic vase painters of the late Archaic period500–480 BCE), this exemplifies the red-figure technique he mastered. In this innovative method, figures were outlined in black slip on a fired orange clay ground, then details incised and background painted black, allowing the natural terracotta to "shine" through for lifelike skin tones a...
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...