Terracotta skyphos (deep drinking cup)

Vine Tendril Group

mid-4th century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Obverse, reclining man and three crones (the Judgment of Paris?) Reverse, ogress pursuing three pygmies The Kabirion is a sanctuary on the outskirts of Thebes in Boeotia dedicated to the Kabiroi, deities associated with fertility and the sea. Their cult included mysteries whose introduction is ascribed to the goddess Demeter. A distinctive variety of pottery, known as Cabiric vases, was produced from the late fifth through the late fourth century B.C. This example is characteristic in shape, subject, and technique. Such works may reflect farces performed in conjunction with the mysteries. They are contemporary with representations of Middle Comedy and the phlyax vases.

Artist

Vine Tendril Group

Date

mid-4th century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Boeotian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1971