Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was crafted by Makron, an Athenian vase painter active in the early 5th century BCE. The fragment offers a glimpse into the lives of women in ancient Greece. Note the delicate lines which form the face of a woman looking downwards. This isn't just a portrayal of beauty; it's a carefully constructed image reflecting the societal roles and expectations placed upon women. Their identities were often confined to domestic spaces, symbolized here by the very cup from which one might drink at a symposium. The gaze is lowered, suggesting modesty, a virtue highly prized in women. Consider the absence of the woman’s voice and agency in many historical narratives. Makron, through his art, gives us an opportunity to reflect on these lost stories, inviting us to explore the emotional landscape of ancient Greek women.