Psykter with Athletes in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Wine Cooler with Athletes
Greek, made in Athens, about 510 BC
Terracotta
Red-figured psykter attributed to Smikros as painter

Inventory # 82.AE.53

Five pairs of men are depicted talking, courting, and cleansing on this vessel. The scene probably takes place in the gymnasion, where athletes trained and bathed. On this side, a wreathed figure scrapes himself with a strigil, while his companion unfolds a cloak to dress. The representation of the anatomy from multiple angles shows the experimental nature of early red-figure vase painting.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.