Attic Red-Figure Cup Type C

On the inside of this drinking cup, a nude young athlete pours oil from an aryballos into his left hand. Behind him is a discus hanging from a sling and two javelins. His features are drawn simply, with short lines representing curls hanging from his head and slight curves and lines defining his muscles. Although his body is in profile, his right eye seems to look at the drinker head-on.

Without the benefit of soap, athletes in ancient times rubbed scented oil on their bodies after competition. Then they scraped off the oil, sweat, and dirt with the edge of a bronze blade called a strigil. This vigorous scraping was followed by a steam or sponge bath. Gymnasiums had special rooms for pre- and post-competition oiling, along with bathing facilities.