Athenian red-figure calyx krater. Museum's Replica at smaller size
Athenian red-figure calyx krater with added colour, dated between 400 and 300 BCE, was found in Thebes, Boeotia, and belongs to the late Classical or early Hellenistic period. It is currently housed in the Antikensammlungen in Munich.
Both sides (A and B) of the vase depict a Maenad dancing between two Satyrs, one of whom plays the pipes (aulos). The figures are rendered in lively motion, and the use of added colours heightens the dramatic and ritualistic atmosphere of the scene. The composition is rich in movement, music, and emotional expression.
This imagery belongs to the Dionysian repertoire, often associated with symposia, ritual, and the cult of Dionysos. The vase celebrates joy, ecstasy, and revelry, embodying the mythical and religious dimension of the Dionysian experience.
The work exemplifies the evolving dialogue between red-figure pottery and other contemporary techniques such as black-glazed and black-figure styles of the 4th century BCE, showcasing the richness and adaptability of Attic ceramic art.
