File:Relief - earthenware - Rijksmuseum van Oudheden 2.jpg

On both sides of the cup there is a scene of anal sex between two males.

Small earthenware drinking cup with relief decoration. Low conical foot, with a flared vase body. Mouth bends back slightly and turns into a slightly overhanging lip. The clay is orange-yellow with a lot of mica. The piece may have been painted, as evidenced by some minimal color remains.

The decoration consists of two symplegma groups, on both sides. The groups are separated by two large vine leaves, which enhance the festive atmosphere of the piece. The blade points up to the left. The stem and central veins are clearly elaborated. The two erotic groups can be described as follows:

Group 1 consists of two men during the act of love. Both are depicted in a strongly archaic style with full beards. Ribbons or wreaths in the hair, which indicate a banquet context. The bottom man lies on his stomach, resting on his elbows, hands in a fist. Its erect phallus indicates sexual arousal. He is subsequently penetrated by a second man, who holds him around the waist. The face of this second man is partly hidden behind the head of his love partner.

Group 2 again consists of two (the same?) men, with beards and wreaths in their hair. The position is different now: one man squats and supports himself on his knees and hands. His mouth is slightly open in excitement. He is subsequently penetrated by a second, standing man who holds him by the waist. The piece of furniture on which the kneeling man rests is not shown. This may have been depicted in paint and is now lost.

The reliefs are highly detailed in their representation of hairstyle and facial expression. Homoerotic depiction were common among the Etruscans, due to homosexuality being favored by their society.

Object name: cup ; drinking cup

Material: earthenware

Dimensions: 6.5 x 7 cm (2 9/16in.) base: 3 cm (1 3/16in.)

Etruscan; archaic period

Date: 550-500 BCE