Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Jennifer Fechik.pdf (5.05 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Interaction in the Symposion: An Experiential Approach to Attic Black-Figured Eye Cups

Fechik, Jennifer R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1363802054

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, Art/Art History.
Archaic Greek ceramic kylixes with painted eye motifs are commonly known as eye cups, and date to 535-500 BCE. Due to the strikingly noticeable eye motifs on their outer surfaces, these cups are traditionally analyzed almost exclusively by interpreting their painted imagery. Such an approach does not, however, yield a complete understanding of the ways these objects functioned, appeared, and influenced the all-male drinking parties of the Archaic Greek symposion. This paper presents a new evaluation of eye cups by utilizing an experiential approach to reconstruct ancient experiences with these objects. Utilizing viewer response theory, affect theory, and object agency theory, three case studies focusing on the interactions between the ancient user and object are explored. The first eye cup features naval imagery on the exterior and a Gorgon on the interior; in this case, the eye cup compelled the user to take on a heroic role to lead in a naval battle and also conquer the Gorgon. The second eye cup features various mythological figures on the exterior with also a Gorgon on the interior. In this case study, the represented figures are generic mythological beings and allow the viewer(s) an open interpretation so that the cup could become an active participant in performance by possessing the characteristics of a theatrical mask. The eye cup analyzed in the final case study references sexual connotations on the exterior, with a plain interior. Creating a complete reconstruction of the interaction in the third case study finds a cyclical connection between object and the original context, the symposion, as well as creating levels of power based on the object one drank from. Through this experiential approach, I have found that eye cups were multi-functional contributors to the ancient Greek symposion and these ancient interactions are still accessible to modern scholars.
Stephanie Langin-Hooper, PhD (Advisor)
Andrew Hershberger, PhD (Committee Member)
50 p.
Ancient Civilizations; Ancient History; Archaeology; Art History; Classical Studies; Fine Arts; History
symposion; symposium; art; art history; greek; ancient art; interaction; experiential; affect; agency; object agency; ceramics; pottery; classics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fechik, J. R. (2013). Interaction in the Symposion: An Experiential Approach to Attic Black-Figured Eye Cups [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1363802054

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fechik, Jennifer. Interaction in the Symposion: An Experiential Approach to Attic Black-Figured Eye Cups. 2013. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1363802054.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fechik, Jennifer. "Interaction in the Symposion: An Experiential Approach to Attic Black-Figured Eye Cups." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1363802054

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1363802054
1,871
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.