A fine Ancient Greek stemless kylix from Attica (Athens). The vessel is set on a ring base with two, slightly upturned, D-shaped applied loop handles. The kylix is decorated within the tondo in black-figure technique with a depiction of a runner. The athlete is captured mid-stride with a large, dynamic step, moving towards the right, his head turned completely backward to the left.
Ancient Greece, Attic: Circa 6th century BC.
Condition: Three fragments professional repaired around the rim, otherwise intact and in very good condition.
Width across handles: 22.4 cms (8.8 ins)
Provenance: Kurt Schmid, Basel, Switzerland, collected between 1950's to 1970's
For similar depiction see: The National Archaeological Museum (Athens)
In ancient Greece, athletes famously competed completely nude in events like the dromos (footrace). The footrace was the oldest and most prestigious event of the Ancient Olympic Games. According to ancient texts (such as Philostratus's Gymnasticus), Greek runners were trained to swing their arms dynamically to maximize the stride of their legs. (ref: National Archaeological Museum Athens).