Terracotta rim fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta rim fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was created by Makron. What remains is stark, a composition of black and red-figure painting that invites reflection on form and function. The fragment's curved surface dictates the visual field, drawing our eyes along the contour of the cup. Against the black background, the red figure stands out, its linear precision emphasizing musculature and posture. Note the position of the fingers on the pipes, the tautness of the cheeks, and the overall sense of momentary action. The composition uses the figure and the instrument to suggest harmony. The curvature introduces a playful disruption, challenging our perception and reminding us that art exists not in a vacuum but as part of a lived experience. This is not merely a decorative object, but a cultural artifact—a testament to human creativity and expression.