Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This fragment of a terracotta drinking cup, or kylix, was crafted by Makron. Its striking red-figure decoration against a black ground immediately captures the eye. The composition, though incomplete, reveals a dynamic scene dominated by the sinuous form of a feline creature. The interplay between the warm terracotta and the stark black creates a powerful contrast. Note how the artist uses line to define the contours of the figures, giving them a sense of volume and movement within the two-dimensional space. The spotted pattern on the animal is not just decorative; it's a signifier that adds to its exotic and wild nature. This fragment embodies the artistic techniques used in ancient Greek pottery, where form and function were carefully balanced. The fragment destabilizes our expectations, challenging us to reconstruct the narrative and appreciate the surviving piece of this vessel's cultural and aesthetic value.