Terracotta Kylix Attributed to the Painter of the Nicosia Olpe in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2011

Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)

Attributed to the Painter of the Nicosia Olpe

Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 550 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; black-figure

Dimensions: H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm) diameter 8 in. (20.3 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906

Accession Number: 06.1097

Label: Obverse and reverse, birth of Athena from the head of Zeus

Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, had the distinction of being born fully formed and fully armed from the head of Zeus, the chief of the gods. Much favored during the first half of the sixth century B.C., scenes of this event include numerous figures and allow for various responses to the unusual circumstances. Here the birth has occurred, and Athena is about to sally forth from her father's lap.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/247515