Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This fragment of a drinking cup, or kylix, was made in ancient Greece by the artist Makron, using terracotta clay. This wasn't just any old mud pie, but carefully prepared clay, finely levigated, formed on a potter's wheel, and then fired. What makes this fragment so compelling is the relationship between the monochrome slip and the natural color of the terracotta itself. The figures were reserved, meaning the artist painted everything *but* them, allowing their forms to emerge from the black ground. Then, details were added with fine lines, incised into the surface with a sharp tool. The labor involved in producing these objects, from digging the clay to the final firing, underscores the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. These vessels were used in social gatherings, often involving the consumption of wine. The images they bear can give us insight into the lives and cultural values of ancient Greeks. By appreciating the technical processes, we come to a richer understanding of the world that produced it.