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Object Timeline
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Skyphos (Drinking Cup) (Etruria (present-day Italy))
This is a Skyphos (Drinking Cup). It is dated 6th century BC and we acquired it in 1915. Its medium is terracotta. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.
Museum Skyphos, a Mystery
The Museum’s skyphos, a small wine cup, is from 5th century BC Apulia in Southern Italy, a Greek region at the time. It is in the style of red-figure vase painting, a progressive technique that allowed for greater perspective, contouring of human form, expressiveness and emotional dimensions than the earlier black-figure style. The technique, originating in Attica, an important cultural center and home to Athens, arrived in Apulia in 530 BC. The decoration of vase painting first reflected the cross-fertilization of influences from Attica, but over time, adaptations from classic themes blended with local tastes and styles. Finally, native themes emerged distinctive from Greek culture. Over 11,000 vases have been uncovered in excavations from this period, mostly in burial sites.
Apulian vase painting developed two stylistic styles, plain and ornate. The ornate style was used for large vases with complex multi-layered figures. The plain was reserved for smaller vases, simple in style, depicting four figures or less.
The Museum’s skyphos appears to be in the plain style. Two figures are depicted, each on opposite sides of the vessel. On one side, we find a young woman dressed in a long flowing garment called a chiton, arms outstretched, holding a wreath, and perhaps, running to the right. On the other side sits a naked young man on a draped rock, holding a staff and staring to the right. Stylized palmetto-like vines form scrolls under and beside the handles.
So, is the young woman on a romantic quest? Is she honoring a hero returning from games? Or does this scene represent part of the preparation for an “after -life”? Are the figures, Apulian or Athenian? The story depicted on this skyphos is yet to be identified.
This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Museum Skyphos, a Mystery.
This object was
donated by
Charles W. Gould.
It is credited Gift of Charles W. Gould.
- Kylix (Greece)
- terra-cotta.
- Gift of Charles W. Gould.
- 1915-11-26
- Brush Brush
- silver, bristle, wood.
- Museum purchase from Walter R. Scholz Memorial Fund.
- 1998-21-2
- Tile (England)
- transfer-printed, green-enamelled white pottery.
- Gift of Mrs. Montgomery Hare.
- 1940-80-1
Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.
- Plaque (England)
- pate-sur-pate glazed porcelain.
- Gift of Leon V. Solon.
- 1920-30-1
- Book Illustration, The Antiqvities of Athens, vol. IV; Amphitheatre at Pola,...
- engraving on paper.
- Collection of Smithsonian Institution Libraries.
- SIL39088003519543
- Platter (England)
- glazed and lustered earthenware.
- Museum purchase through bequest of Dona Guimaraes.
- 1992-124-1
Its dimensions are
H x W x D: 14 x 16.8 x 25.1cm (5 1/2 x 6 5/8 x 9 7/8in.)
Cite this object as
Skyphos (Drinking Cup) (Etruria (present-day Italy)); terracotta; H x W x D: 14 x 16.8 x 25.1cm (5 1/2 x 6 5/8 x 9 7/8in.); Gift of Charles W. Gould; 1915-11-31
This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Hewitt Sisters Collect.
