Cheiron Vase

Question 1

What kind of vase?

Answer 1

Bell krater

Question 2

Who’s the artist?

Answer 2

McDaniel painter

Question 3

Where’s the vase from?

Answer 3

Southern Italy

Question 4

What does the vase depict?

Answer 4

Scene from an unknown comedy- parody of the myth of the centaur Cheiron healed by Apollo, illustrates the role that farce and slapstick played. Theatre set on the left representing the the entrance to the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Xanthias at top of the steps helping Cheiron onto the stage. Actor behind Cheiron playing the rear of the centaur. Achilles standing to the right. Two nymphs conversing in the top right

Question 5

What does it show about costume?

Answer 5

Xanthias clear comic costume and mask. Wearing short bordered tunic over an undergarment with sleeves and tights in a one-piece suit. His phallus is clearly visible and his midriff is highly padded. Mask shown by snub-nose and gaping mouth. Cheiron’s costume similar but mask has white hair, shaggier eyebrows and eyes closed to indicate blindness. Age shown as he uses a staff to walk. Nymphs wear masks, shown by their protruding lips and gaping mouths.