Boeotian Kabeiric Black-Figure Kantharos (Cup) Fragment with Male Figure

Classical
Mid 4th century BCE

2 11/16 x 3 3/16 x 3/16 in. (6.8 x 8.1 x 0.5 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• Black-figure - Refers to a style of Greek vase painting that developed from the Geometric and Orientalizing styles. It appeared in Corinth around 720 BCE, flourished in Attica by 600 BCE, and was found in Sparta, eastern Greece, and elsewhere, until the Red-figure style gradually replaced it in the late sixth century BCE. The style is characterized by a particular technique, which is characterized by the use of a refined slip, a two-stage firing process, and sintering to create black figures in silhouette on a red ground. Details were incised into the black figures or applied in purple or white pigment.
• Boeotian - Refers to a style of pottery decoration that was seen in Boeotia from the seventh century BCE to the first half of the sixth century BCE. Boeotian pottery, from the region of Boeotia, northwest of Athens, was heavily influenced by Attic styles. It is characterized by the use of lively floral motifs and mythological themes, without much detail, typically in black-figure or with figures in relief. Boeotian clay tends toward a dull brown. A favored shape was the kantharos.
• Cabiran - A late black-figure painting style named after the sanctuary at Kabirion, west of Thebes, where much of this pottery has been found. This style flourished from the late 5th into the 4th century BCE. Though not sophisticated in its decoration, Cabiran pottery can be amusing and lively.
• Classical - Refers to an ancient Greek style and period that begins around 480 BCE, when the Greek city-states defeated the Persian invaders, and ends around 323 BCE, with the death of Alexander the Great. It is characterized by the rebuilding of cities after the Persian wars, the flourishing of philosophy, drama, architecture, sculpture, painting, and the other arts. In the visual arts, it is known for the mastery of the human form and sophistication of architectural design.
• Kabeiric - Added by M. Weldon, June 2010, to help classify the Greek Pottery in the collection from the Kabeiran (Cabiran or Cabeiran) in Thebes.
• sherds - Limited to fragments of pottery or glass.
• vase paintings - Refers to two-dimensional decoration applied to pottery by using paint made of metallic oxides or other pigments held in suspension in slip or another medium. The term is particularly used to refer to Ancient Greek red- and black-figure works. See also "porcelain paintings (visual works)."

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