Detail of a Terracotta Bell-Krater Attributed to Polion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2011

Terracotta bell-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)

Attributed to Polion


Period: Classical

Date: ca. 420 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; red-figure

Dimensions: H. 11 5/16 in. (28.7 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925

Accession Number: 25.78.66

Description:

Obverse, chorus of satyrs
Reverse, youths

The inscription singers at the Panathenaia offers some explanation of the subject on the obverse. Three Papposilenoi—old satyrs—hold lyres and move toward a man with a pair of flutes. These are costumed performers who played some part in the festival that took place annually in honor of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/251846