Red-Figure Kylix
The cup is undecorated on the exterior. The interior contains a tondo bordered by a simple reserve line. The subject of the scene is the Theban sphinx flying over the sea, carrying in her talons the body of a dead youth. The youth's head hangs limp as he is carried underneath the sphinx who has intertwined her body with his and clutches his left arm with her talons, drawing blood. The youth still carries his staff in his right hand. In the sea below, waves and fish can be seen. Inscribed in red around the figures is "Kleomelos is beautiful."
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)