Kithara Player and Judge on an Amphora facts for kids

Kithara Player and Judge on an Amphora is a depiction of a musician on an Attic red-figure amphora. The work is said to be by the Berlin Painter. It is dated ca. 490 BC. The height of the amphora measures 16 5/16 in. (41.5 cm). The amphora is in the possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The museum writes, "... a musician in a long, slim garment accompanies himself on the kithara, a musical instrument used for formal performances in festivals and contests. The young musician, known as a kitharode, spreads the fingers of his left hand behind the strings and prepares to strike them with the plektron, or pick, in his right hand. The muscles in his neck stretch as he throws back his head and opens his mouth to sing. The sash below his kithara sways with the rhythm of his song. On the reverse side of the amphora, an instructor or, possibly, a judge listens intently and extends his right arm toward the young musician."