Skyphos (Glaux) (Attic red-figure ware)
450 BCE-425 BCE
Medium
earthenware
Measurements
8.2 × 17.0 × 11.2 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1893
© Public Domain
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts - Great Hall Costume Corridor
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
Glaux is the Greek word for owl, an image that always decorates this particular type of cup, known as a skyphos. Skyphoi, with their horizontal and vertical handles, are thought to possibly represent owls and were very common in the later fifth century. The owl was a symbol of the goddess Athena, whose sanctuary on the Acropolis was rumoured to be full of owls. The owl was represented on coins from the region and was recognised all over the Greek world as the symbol of Athens. It is suggested that these owl skyphoi, which bear the local coat of arms, may have functioned like modern souvenir mugs.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Attica, Greece
Accession Number
80R-D1A
Department
Antiquities
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Cup with one horizontal and one vertical handle. Black-glazed interior and exterior. On each side is a red-figure owl between two vertical sprays of laurel. The owl has black circles for eyes surrounded by strokes of dilute wash. The feathers are decorated with bands of black dots. Underside of the base is reserved except for a central black dot and circle and black band near the stand ring.