Tondo Detail of a Kylix by the Painter of Bologna in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sept. 2007

Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)
Greek, Attic, red figure, ca. 460-450 BC
Attributed to the Painter of Bologna
Interior, Two schoolgirls
Exterior, women conversing

Accession # 06.1021.167

The representation in the tondo provides interesting evidence of the education of women in the mid-5th century BC. The girl on the left carries a pair of writing tablets and a styus. Where she and her companion are going is not indicated. Although there apparently were some schools, those who could afford it were probably tutored at home. The girl with the tablets is obviously reluctant, but why we cannot know. The scene on the exterior might have some connection as the paraphrenalia suspended in the background includes another set of tablets, torchholders, an alabastron (perfume vase) in addition to wreaths and slippers.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.