SOURCE: Phiale Pelike

Question 1

What is the provenance of this source ?

Answer 1

450BC
Phiale painter and shows tragic actors getting into costume

Question 2

What is the significance of this source ?

Answer 2

• two tragic actors likely chorus members getting into costume
• we can see the actor in the right putting on a boot ‘Kothornoi’ as it’s reaching close the the thigh even at this mid point in putting it on. Provides evidence of the footwear actors worse at the time as this would allow them to move easier in stage.
• the source reinforces the idea of men playing women as the maks clearly seen in the centre of the vase and the figure in the left (gaping mouth) overly exaggerating Ellen moth of the woman could express a look of shock
• knee length garment being worn by both actors likely himation showing evidence of clothing
• band wrapped around head of actor on right (pull back hair or to be more comforting)

Question 3

What are the limitations of this source ?

Answer 3

Both actors are still in the stages of preparation and are not fully clothed leaving us questioning what they looked like on stage
Actor in the left is holding a garment with no clear explanation as to what it is