Birds

Question 1

What kind of vase?

Answer 1

Oinochoe

Question 2

When was Aristophanes’ Birds first performed?

Answer 2

414 BCE- animal choruses pre-date Aristophanes by many decades at least.

Question 3

What does the vase depict?

Answer 3

an auletes on the left playing his aulos- a motif commonly used to indicate a theatrical or choral scene. Dancing to the tune are two bearded figures dressed as birds, with purple crests on their heads and feathers attached to their knees. Both have dappled skins, with tails hanging down behind, and wings on their arms. The vine branches in the background are suggestive of Dionysus

Question 4

Significance

Answer 4

May give some indications as to the origins of comedy. Vase dates to early 5th century, showing choruses must have been well-known then. Not the only scene of an animal chorus in Greek art.