Kithara Collection

A woman playing the Kithara, with her servant
5305127 A woman playing the Kithara, with her servant.; (add.info.: Fresco depicting a woman playing the Kithara, with her servant. Dated 1st Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Seated woman playing a kithara, c. 50-40 B. C. (fresco)
3432853 Seated woman playing a kithara, c.50-40 B.C. (fresco) by Roman Republican Period (509-27 BC); 186.7x186.7 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Terracotta neck-amphora with lid and knob, c. 540 B. C (terracotta)
3493028 Terracotta neck-amphora with lid and knob, c.540 B.C (terracotta) by Greek, (6th century BC); 47 high cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Sappho (etching)
974123 Sappho (etching) by Alma-Tadema, Lawrence (1836-1912) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sappho. After the painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema.); © Look and Learn

Concert with many instruments, ancient Greece. Musicians playing lyre, kithara or zither, aulos or tibia, harp, psalterion, tambourine, cymbals, etc

Musicians playing ancient Greek lyres, zither and tibia
Types of Greek lyres 1-5, 9, woman playing kithara or zither 6, 7, and man playing aulos or tibia from ancient Greek vases

Amphora, late Archaic, c. 490 B. C. (terracotta)
3493068 Amphora, late Archaic, c.490 B.C. (terracotta) by Greek, (5th century BC); 41.5 high cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Dolphin - Arion is saved by a dolphin (chromolitho)
961319 Dolphin - Arion is saved by a dolphin (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dolphin - Arion is saved by a dolphin)

Amphora, late Archaic, c. 490 B. C. (terracotta)
3492973 Amphora, late Archaic, c.490 B.C. (terracotta) by Greek School; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info)

Musical instruments of Classical Greece (chromolitho)
735781 Musical instruments of Classical Greece (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musical instruments of Classical Greece)

The Apollo and Marsyas mosaic, detail of Pliny and Apollo, House of Aion, Paphos
696748 The Apollo and Marsyas mosaic, detail of Pliny and Apollo, House of Aion, Paphos, Cyprus (mosaic) by Roman, (3rd century AD); House of Aion, Kato Paphos

Arion riding a dolphin (engraving)
964385 Arion riding a dolphin (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arion, ancient Greek poet)

Detail of Greek red-Figured Kylix, Apollo seated at altar, with Kithara, Athens, c480BC-47 BC

Greek Terracotta, Woman playing Kithera with plectrum, 3rd century BC-2nd century BC. Probably made in South Italy

Erato. Statue of Muse of lyric poetry playing the zither
Classical mythology. Erato. Muse of lyric poetry. Roman statue. 2nd century AD. The muse is depicted playing the zither or lyre. From Monte Calvo, Italy. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Copenhagen, Denmark

Sappho and her companions listening as the poet Alcaeus plays a kithara, on the island of Lesbos by Lawrence Alma-Tadema

The Flaying of Marsyas, c. 1616-18 (fresco on canvas)
XCF273111 The Flaying of Marsyas, c.1616-18 (fresco on canvas) by Domenichino (Domenico Zampieri) (1581-1641) (studio of); 210.2x331.4 cm; National Gallery, London

ANCIENT ROME: MURAL. A lady playing a cithara, a kind of lyre. Fresco painting from Boscoreale, Italy, c40-30 B.C

Parthenon frieze depicting procession
The procession continues with a group of flute and kithara players. They are wearing musicians clothing, a long chiton and himation

Women with a Kithara
Two ladies with a Kithara

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The kithara, a stringed musical instrument of ancient Greece, holds a significant place in the history of music. Depicted in various forms of art throughout the ages, it has become an emblem of lyrical poetry and melodic harmony. In the realm of mythology, Erato, the Muse of lyric poetry, is often portrayed playing the zither-like kithara. This divine connection highlights its importance as a tool for artistic expression and inspiration. Archaeological discoveries have provided us with glimpses into how this enchanting instrument was played. A fresco from c. 50-40 B. C showcases a seated woman gracefully strumming her kithara, her fingers dancing along its strings to create captivating melodies. Terracotta artifacts from different eras also showcase the kithara's significance. A neck-amphora with lid and knob from c. 540 B. C depicts musicians engaged in harmonious play using this versatile instrument alongside others like lyres and tibias. Sappho, one of ancient Greece's most celebrated poets known for her passionate verses set to music, is immortalized through etchings that depict her holding a kithara while pouring out her soulful lyrics. Ancient Greek society reveled in musical gatherings where multiple instruments were played together in perfect harmony. Paintings portraying these concerts bring to life scenes filled with joyous sounds emanating from not only the kitharas but also other beloved instruments like lyres and zithers. The dolphin motif frequently appears alongside depictions involving the kithara - symbolizing Arion's miraculous rescue by dolphins after he charmed them with his melodious tunes. These stories further emphasize the power that music created by this magical instrument held over both humans and creatures alike. As time passed, even during late Archaic periods around 490 B. C. , terracotta amphoras continued to bear intricate designs featuring musicians playing their cherished kitharas, showcasing the instrument's enduring popularity.