Kylix (drinking cup): Theseus and the Minotaur
Artist: The potter Tleson (Greek)
Date: about 550 BCE
Dimensions:
H: 6 3/32 in. (15.5 cm); Diam (lip): 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); Diam (with handles): 12 19/32 in. (32 cm); Diam (foot): 3 3/4 in. ( 9.5 cm)
Medium: Black Figure; Wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware with incised details
Place of Origin: Greek, from Attica
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1958.70
Label Text:The scene on this drinking cup shows the famous story of the Athenian hero Theseus slaying the fierce bull-headed monster, the Minotaur, in the heart of the Labyrinth of King Minos of Crete. Both figures are labeled by inscriptions in Greek.
This kylix was broken and repaired in antiquity. Drill holes are still visible in the wall of the cup, through which lead clamps were placed to join the pieces. The inscription around the outside of the cup translates as “Tleson son of Nearchos made me.”
This kylix was broken and repaired in antiquity. Drill holes are still visible in the wall of the cup, through which lead clamps were placed to join the pieces. The inscription around the outside of the cup translates as “Tleson son of Nearchos made me.”
DescriptionInside: Theseus and the Minotaur
On view
In Collection(s)