Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
480–470 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Late Archaic/Early Classical
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
2011.604.1.6953
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Greek and Roman Art galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where this captivating terracotta fragment of a kylix invites us into the symposia of ancient Athens. Crafted around 480–470 BCE the Painter of the Parisantomachy—an anonymous master named for his vivid depiction of the gods' battle against the giants—this shard hails from the Late Archaic to Early Classical period. Attic Greek vases like this drinking cup were essential for elite social gatherings, where wine flowed and stories unfolded. Kylixes were ingeniously designed wide, shallow cups perfect for sipping whil...