Siana Cup (Black-Figure Kylix [Drinking Cup]): Horseman and Warriors

575–550 BCE

Greek, Attic

Medium

ceramic

Measurements

Diameter: 26.8 cm (10 9/16 in.); Overall: 14.1 cm (5 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Edgar A. Hahn 1965.78

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Location

102B Greek

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Did You Know?

Siana cups take their name from a cemetery in Rhodes where many were first found.

Description

Two kneeling warriors do battle in the tondo of this large drinking cup, red blood streaming from their wounded legs. Without labels or attributes, their identities remain uncertain—perhaps Eteokles and Polyneikes, the cursed sons of Oedipus. The exterior figures are anonymous, although many are accompanied by small dots probably meant to imitate letters (for identifying inscriptions). On one side, a warrior is greeted by a nude youth holding a garland, with a horseman, a flying eagle, and several men observing. On the other, a bearded man rides a rearing horse, flanked by six draped men. Waterbirds stand beneath the handles.