Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)

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 while reclining, often adorned with intricate black- or red-figure paintings that brought myths to life. This fragment exemplifies the technical prowess of Attic potters: terracotta fired to a warm reddish hue, then meticulously painted and glazed before a final firing. The transition from Archaic stiffness to Classical grace is evident in works from this era, coinciding with Athens' triumphs in the Persian Wars and a cultural renaissance. A generous gift from Dietrich von Bothmer in 2011, this piece underscores the enduring allure of Greek ceramics—functional art that bridged daily life and divine narratives. Though just a fragment, it whispers of grander scenes, reminding us how ancient artisans captured eternity in clay.