Red-Figure Column Krater with Processional Horsemen and Robed Figures

The longevity of the earlier style of black-figure painting technique is indicated here, particularly with the animal frieze along the top. The barefoot horsemen, depicted on the main side of the vase, ride along with an air of particular ease. Around their necks they wear petasoi, large floppy sun hats often associated with Athenian aristocracy. The riders can be compared to those on the carved west frieze of the Parthenon in Athens, which depicts the Panathenaic Procession.  Male and female figures on the other side wear himatia, full length garments made of light wool. One carries a strigil, an instrument with a curved blade used to clean the body; others carry walking sticks.