1. The Exekias Kylix, painted by Exekias around 535 BC, is considered one of the finest works of black-figure pottery and was possibly the first example of its shape, the kylix cup. 2. The interior depicts the myth of Dionysus escaping capture by pirates and transforming them into dolphins, while the exterior features eyes and scenes of warriors fighting over a corpse. 3. Through its innovative shape and masterful illustrations, the kylix demonstrated Exekias' exceptional skill as a vase painter in Athens.

1. Exekias Kylix (cup) a new shape White text: p.30-31 Black text: p.23-25

5. Dimensions Width: 30cm

13. The vase interior

14. The Ship The boarding ladder and the twin steering oars are clearly visible at the stern The bow of the ship is in the form of a stylised boar’s head The ship is elaborate in design, with a tall mast and a broad sail. The ship is decorated with a pair of white dolphins The stern of the ship curves upwards into the graceful shape of a swan’s neck

15. Dionysos Dionysos lies back in the boat, holding a wine horn, and wearing a spotted robe The vines growing from the mast are laden with grapes.

16. The pirates who tried to abduct Dionysos have been transformed into dolphins, and they now swim around the boat.

17. Composition As always, Exekias’ decoration complements the shape of the vase Twin vines branch out, following the shape of the top 1/3 of the kylix Dolphins swim around the bottom 2/3 of the kylix Dionysos’ ship sails across the kylix – there is no ground line as the ship is on the sea

18. Painting technique Coral-red slip intensifies the red of the background – “intentional” red White slip used for the sail and the dolphins decorating the boat Purple was added to the grapes and the branches Slip was added thicker than normal on the bows of the ship to show more depth and texture

19. The vase exterior Eyes are painted as concentric circles, using white, purple and black slips A very stylised nose A band of rolled clay separates the bowl from the foot of the vase The foot is painted with black slip Elongated tear ducts frame the nose Both sides have apotropaic eyes. They are supposed to look out for you and ward off evil.

20. Around the handles On both sides, in the gaps between the eyes and the handles, Exekias shows symmetrical sets of 3 warriors fighting over a corpse. They all wear the Corinthian style helmet with horse hair crests, corselets and greaves. The dead warrior’s armour is white Exekias uses purple to accentuate armour

21. Incisions through the slip show the details of the armour and musculature The corpse has been stripped of its armour and is being dragged away. A series of concentric lines, painted in black and purple slip, accentuates the shape of the kylix. Underneath is a band of small, stylised rays.