Skyphos Komos Scene

Red-figure skyphos depicting a Komos scene.

Side A: Young woman dressed in a draped peplos playing the aulos (double flute). A young naked komastus offers her a cup.

Side B: Young naked man playing the barbiton (large zither). Facing him, a naked dancer presents him a cup.

Under each handle, two large palmettes framed by volutes.

Greek art, 4th century BC

Black and red glazed terracotta

H: 17.5 cm, Diam: 20 cm

Former Parisian collection from the 1990s/2000s

Thermoluminescence testing confirms the dating.

In archaeological and iconographic literature, komos generally refers to a noisy and festive procession of drinkers accompanied by musicians, characteristic of depictions of Dionysian banquets and festivals.