Terracotta mug 470 BC

This terracotta mug was made by the Group of Philadelphia 2272, a collection of artisans working in ancient Greece. It depicts a nude athlete, frozen in the moment of throwing a disc, a central feature of Greek athletic competitions. What does it mean to see this image on a drinking vessel? Athleticism in ancient Greece was deeply entwined with social status, citizenship, and military prowess. The imagery here, using the red-figure technique, idealizes the male form and celebrates the athletic ideal, reinforcing cultural values around strength and competition. The very existence of a group of artisans labeled "Philadelphia 2272" suggests an institutional structure of artistic production, perhaps tied to a particular workshop or region. By studying archaeological records, pottery styles, and social histories of ancient Greece, we can better understand how this mug functioned within its society, reflecting its values and beliefs, and the role of art in expressing such beliefs.