Gnathian Situla

Vase-painters working in the Greek colonies in South Italy frequently depicted scenes inspired by theatrical performances. Phlyax plays, popular in the 300s and 200s B.C., were farces parodying the heroes and themes of mythology or the comic elements of everyday life. The term phlyax, which is used for both the play and the costumed actors, probably derives from the Greek verb "to swell" and finds its meaning in the actors' costumes. They wore a mask, tights, a padded tunic, and a large artificial phallus; any other garments necessary for the role were worn over this.

This situla (a deep bucket) depicts a phlyax moving to the right along a dotted ground line while looking back over his shoulder. The figure's demeanour and gesture convey his comic appeal.

As well as decorating vases in the red-figure technique, Apulian vase-painters created a type of pottery that scholars call Gnathian ware. In this technique, artisans painted the entire surface of the vessel black, then applied decorative motifs – ornament, patterns and figures - with added colors. This type of pottery began around 360 B.C. and was very popular in the period from about 350 to 325 B.C.