Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)
Attributed to the Painter of Bologna 417
Interior, two schoolgirls
Exterior, women conversing
The representation in the tondo provides interesting evidence of the education of women in the mid-fifth century B.C. The girl on the left carries a pair of writing tablets and a stylus. Where she and her companion are going is no indicated. Although there apparently were some schools, those who could afford it were probably tutored at home. The girl with the tablets is obviously reluctant, but why we cannot know. The scene on the exterior may have some connection as the paraphernalia suspended in the background includes another set of tablets, torchholders, and an alabastron (perfume vase) in addition to wreaths and slippers.
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