Fragment of a kylix: band-cup (drinking cup) 550 BC

This fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was crafted by the artist known as Elbows Out. What remains is a scene dominated by the contrast between the black figures and the warm terracotta ground. The linear precision with which the runners are depicted gives a sense of dynamism, capturing a moment of athleticism. The fragment invites us to consider not just what is present, but what is missing, and how the part relates to the whole. The structure of the composition uses the curvature of the kylix to suggest continuous movement, underscoring how ancient Greek artists conceptualized space and narrative within the confines of their chosen medium. This visual interplay challenges our perception, urging a re-evaluation of the very act of seeing and interpreting.