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Drinking cup (kylix)
Greek
Late Archaic Period
about 510 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions
Length: 5.3 cm (2 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Julia Bradford Huntington James Fund and Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number10.186
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis kylix fragment from the decoration of the exterior of the cup depicts a hoplite charging forth with full panoply, including a Chalcidian helmet with elaborate horsehair crest, a Type IV cuirass, greaves, a large hoplite shield, and a spear. It offers an interesting view of the interior of the shield which reveals how such a large shield was carried into battle. A central bronze arm band (porpax) covers the entire diameter of the shield, and several leather and rope straps allow the carrying or hanging of the shield from different angles. The rope most important to controlling this large, double-grip shield in battle is the hand-hold (antilabe). The arm is placed through the center band up to the elbow and at the rim the hand reaches this second point of contact.
ProvenanceBy 1902: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: bought in Rome: 1902); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, June 2, 1910, for $4,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 10.159-10.230)