Kithara Player and Judge on an Amphora facts for kids

Kithara Player and Judge on an Amphora is a famous ancient Greek vase. It shows a musician playing an instrument called a kithara. On the other side, a judge or teacher listens carefully. This special vase is called an amphora. It was made around 490 BC, which is over 2,500 years ago! Experts believe a skilled artist known as the Berlin Painter created it. The amphora is about 41.5 centimeters (16.5 inches) tall. Today, you can see it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

What is an Ancient Greek Amphora?

An amphora is a type of ancient Greek pottery. It is a tall, two-handled jar. People in ancient Greece used amphoras for many things. They stored liquids like wine or olive oil in them. Sometimes, they also kept grains or other goods in these jars.

The Red-Figure Style

This amphora is made in a style called "red-figure." This means the figures are red, and the background is black. Artists would paint the background black. Then, they would leave the figures unpainted. This made the natural red color of the clay stand out. It was a popular way to decorate pottery in ancient Greece.

Who Was the Berlin Painter?

The Berlin Painter was a very talented artist. We do not know his real name. Art historians gave him this name because one of his most famous vases is in Berlin, Germany. He was active around 500 to 460 BC. He was known for his detailed and lively drawings on pottery. His work often showed single figures that filled the vase.

The Kithara Player: A Star Performer

The main part of this amphora shows a young musician. He is called a kitharode. This means he sings and plays the kithara at the same time. He wears a long, thin robe. His body shows movement as he performs.

Playing the Kithara

The kithara was a stringed instrument. It was similar to a lyre but larger and heavier. People used kitharas for formal performances. These included big festivals and music contests. The musician on the vase holds a small pick, called a plektron. He is about to strike the strings with it. His left hand is spread out behind the strings.

A Powerful Performance

You can almost hear the music and singing! The artist shows the musician's neck muscles stretching. His head is thrown back, and his mouth is open wide. This shows he is singing with all his might. Even the sash below his kithara seems to sway. It moves with the rhythm of his song.

The Judge on the Other Side

On the back of the amphora, there is another figure. This person is either an instructor or a judge. He is listening very carefully to the musician. He extends his right arm towards the young kitharode. This gesture might mean he is giving advice or judging the performance. It shows the importance of music and contests in ancient Greek culture.