Kylix (drinking cup): Warrior; Warriors Practicing

Having drained this wine cup, the drinker could contemplate the warrior depicted inside. The bearded hoplite (heavily armed foot soldier) stands relaxed, a mantle over his shoulders and the cheek guards of his helmet pushed up. He gazes down at his round shield, whose shape echoes the cup’s interior. Both shield and design border were drawn by compass; preliminary sketch lines for the warrior’s lower legs with greaves remain visible. This introspective scene for the drinker contrasts with the activity on the cup’s exterior, where younger, beardless warriors practice battle, to be viewed by the rest of the drinking party.