The artwork, titled “Dionysus Cup by Exekias,” is a remarkable example of ancient Greek pottery from approximately 530 BC. Crafted from terracotta, the piece belongs to the Archaic art movement and features mythological painting, serving as a utensil as well. It is a part of the Black-figure series, a distinctive style of Greek vase painting that flourished during the Archaic period.
The artwork itself is a terracotta drinking cup, also known as a kylix, which displays a pair of large, stylized eyes on the underside. These eyes are outlined in black, with a cream-colored interior and additional black, red, and white concentric circles that form the pupils. The eyes are framed by bold black lines that extend outwards, creating a striking visual effect meant to both amuse and amaze the drinker. The base and handles of the cup are painted in a dark black hue that contrasts with the orange terracotta body, enhancing the overall aesthetic.