Description:
vase; red figure technique with slip decoration

Label Text:
A kylix is a broad, shallow drinking cup used at the ancient Greek symposium, a dinner party with free-flowing wine. Kylixes are often decorated with erotic or humorous images to fit the mood of these raucous events.

Pictured on the inside of this kylix is a young athlete. Crouching, he prepares to throw a discus, a popular sport in ancient athletic competitions. The garland on his head shows that this young man is a victor on the field. Next to him floats the word ΚΑΛΟΣ (kalos), which means “beautiful” in ancient Greek. This inscription, common on vases, refers not only to a perfect body but also to a noble disposition.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+1955.45

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