In Ancient Greece, Polygnotus was recognized as one of the greatest painter in the early Classical movement. One theory, is that this is a recreation of a wall painting by artists known as Polygnotus. While historians understands understand the first side of the krater, this side remains a mystery but there are many speculations as to what it could mean. He stands surrounded by Athena and soldiers, who are all relaxed in stature. In the center there is a representation of Herakles, this is known because he is holding a club and has a lions skin draped over his shoulders. Whereas the other side depicts a much more peaceful scene. Leto’s children Artemis and Apollo slay all the children of Niobe to avenge their mother and punish Niobe for her hubris.

This comes from the story of Niobe, where mortal Niobe brags about how her children are more numerous than the goddess Leto’s, therefore making her better than the goddess. One side depicts a violent scene of Artemis and Apollo slaying the children of Niobe with bow and arrows. It has been observed that neither side has to do with one another. On both sides of the vase there are different scenes depicted. The Niobid painter utilizes the red-figure technique which emphasizes the the details of the figures. The calyx krater is a very high bowl with small handles which leaves a large area on the face of the vase for artwork. The Niobid Krater, crafted by an artist recognized as the Niobid Painter circa 450 BC in Greece, is a calyx krater crafted out of clay.

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