Terracotta rim fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)

Art Historical Context

This terracotta rim fragment comes from a kylix, or shallow drinking cup, created in Athens during the Late Archaic period around 490–480 BCE. As part of Greek and Roman Art at the Metropolitan Museum, it represents the refined pottery traditions of Attic culture, where such vessels played a central role in symposia—the lively social gatherings of Athenian men. The fragment’s survival offers a glimpse into daily life and artistic production in ancient Greece, a time when Athens was transitioning toward the Classical era. The piece is attributed to the Colmar Painter, an artist known for his work in the red-figure technique that emerged in the late sixth century BCE. This innovative method allowed painters to render figures with greater detail and naturalism by leaving the clay’s natural red color against a black-glazed background. Though only a rim survives, the fragment reflects the high level of skill involved in shaping and decorating these elegant cups, which were both functional objects and vehicles for artistic expression. Terracotta’s durability made it ideal for vases that traveled widely across the Mediterranean, spreading Athenian artistic influence. Donated by renowned curator Dietrich von Bothmer, this fragment underscores the enduring appeal of Greek pottery and its ability to connect us with the rituals, stories, and craftsmanship of the ancient world.