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
2011.604.1.7367
Art Historical Context
This exquisite terracotta fragment from a kylix, or shallow drinking cup, dates to 500–480 BCE and hails from Attic Greece during the late Archaic period Crafted by the renowned vase-painter Makron, one of the most prolific artists of his time, it exemplifies the red-figure technique that revolutionized Greek pottery. In this method, figures were painted in the natural red clay color against a black-gloss background, allowing intricate details in anatomy, drapery, and expressions—Makron's specialty, often seen in lively symposion scenes of revelry and myth. Kylikes like this were essential to...
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...