The death of Orpheus by the Thracian women is depicted on the main side of the krater. On the left, a Thracian woman thrusts a spear towards Orpheus's throat who staggers backwards, having dropped his lyre. A second woman attacks from behind him, swinging an axe. Orpheus wears a short chitoniskos, endromides (soft boots) and a laurel wreath on his head, while the women wear long chitons and have tattoos on their hands (Thracian feature).

On the krater’s back side, three Thracians are watching the Orpheus’ death wearing the Thracian clothing; zeira (woolen cloak), endromides and alopeke (fox fur cap). Each of them holds two spears.