Terracotta Kylix (Eyecup) Attributed to the Manner of Lydos in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2011

Terracotta kylix: eye-cup (drinking cup)

Attributed to an artist working in the manner of Lydos


Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 540 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; black-figure

Dimensions: H. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm) diameter 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925

Accession Number: 25.78.6

Description: Interior, four warriors in combat
Exterior, obverse and reverse, sphinx between eyes

Typologically and stylistically, this is a remarkable cup. Eye-cups appeared about 540 B.C. Normally they have a Gorgon's face on the interior. A scene occupying nearly the whole interior is rare in black-figure. The influence of Lydos is evident in the imposing figures and clear composition.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/251804