Terracotta kylix (drinking cup) 515 BC

This terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, was made by Psiax, an Athenian potter and painter, likely in the late 6th century BC. It's a striking example of the black-figure technique, where silhouettes were painted onto the clay surface. The image of a horseman at the bottom of the bowl isn’t just decorative. It’s a window into Athenian society, where horsemanship was associated with wealth and aristocratic status. The scene likely reflects the values and aspirations of the elite, who would have used such vessels at their symposia, or drinking parties. As historians, we consider the culture and context in which the piece was made. Examining archaeological reports, social histories, and studies of ancient art will enrich our understanding of the social functions of objects like this. Appreciating art means understanding how it was shaped by social and institutional forces.