Terracotta kylix (drinking cup) 480 BC

This terracotta drinking cup, or kylix, was crafted by the artist Douris in ancient Greece. The scene illustrates the intimate relationship between a teacher of music and his student. We can see that the image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references. The painted image on the kylix offers us insight into the cultural values of ancient Greek society and education. Music was considered an essential part of a young man's education, contributing to both intellectual and moral development. The image underscores the importance of mentorship and the transmission of knowledge, reflecting the social structures of its time. Classical art such as this can tell us much about the everyday lives of those in ancient Greece, if we examine artifacts alongside written accounts, architectural remains, and other forms of historical evidence. This can allow us to understand art as something that is contingent on social and institutional context.