Nov 12, 2009
Nov 12, 2009
Nov 12, 2009
Nov 12, 2009

Red-Figure Ram-Head Rhyton (Drinking Vessel): Symposiasts; Satyr and Maenad

Red-Figure Ram-Head Rhyton (Drinking Vessel): Symposiasts; Satyr and Maenad

c. 480–470 BC

attributed to Brygos Painter

(Greek, Attic, active c. 490–470 BC)

Ceramic

Overall: 19 x 12.8 cm (7 1/2 x 5 1/16 in.); Diameter of rim: 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1988.8

Location

Did you know?

This vessel once had a foot, but only a bit of its stem remains.

Description

Although now missing nearly half of its mold-made ram’s head, this rhyton, a kind of drinking horn, retains most of its painted red-figure sections. On the wheel-made bowl above, three symposiasts recline at a drinking party: a youth wearing a kidaris (flapped Scythian hat) and two bearded men holding drinking cups. The youth plays the pipes, while a lyre hangs nearby and one man throws his head back in song. The letters around them, which do not spell out known words, may allude to the music in the air. Flanking the handle are a pipe-playing satyr and a dancing maenad (only partially preserved).

See also
Collection: 
GR - Greek
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic
Medium: 
Ceramic

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