The kylix was commonly used in Ancient Greece as a wine-drinking cup, particularly useful for symposia. Literally translated as a ‘drinking together,’ wine was central to these exclusively male events, where members of the upper class would gather to drink, eat, dance, sing, and play games. The kylix’s shallow bowl provided ample space for interior decoration; these would be covered by the wine, revealed only once the cup had been drained, adding to the playful mood of the party. However, the symposium was also a chance for more serious matters to be discussed, such as philosophy, politics, business, poetry, and contemporary topical issues.
In Greek mythology and iconography, swans were associated with romance and eroticism. The birds would often accompany Aphrodite, and were seen as a symbol of good health, music, divination, and grace. In another popular myth, Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda, a beautiful Spartan queen who he greatly admired. Seeking protection from a pursuing eagle, the swan fell into her arms. Their consummation took place on the banks of the river Eurotas. Resulting from the union with the god was the generation of two eggs, from which hatched Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra and Castor and Pollux. Leda and the swan was a popular subject in ancient art, strongly linked with Homer’s Iliadic epic poem.
To discover more about the Symposium, please visit our relevant blog post: The Art of Drinking Together, or the Symposium.