Cooke -- Black Figure Art from Ancient Greece
Introduction
Black figure pottery first began in Corinth, but it quickly spread to Attica where it became very popular (Cartwright, 2012). The popularity of this style of pottery grew around 700 BC (Cartwright, 2012). In ancient Greek art, black figure pottery utilized red clay as the background, and black clay to depict the scene. These scenes typically contained people and or animals. They usually depict a battle, a struggle, or even a scene that seems as peaceful as a walk. This exhibit has pieces that are all from the Archaic period, and they date from 540 BC- 520 BC. There are many black figure pieces that have survived, and just a handful of them are in this digital exhibit.Exekias
Exekias is considered to be one of the best black figure artist's of the time. This digital exhibit has a handful of his works. With this being said, Exekias has signed a total of 13 pots and only two of which were as a painter (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016). One of these works is pictured here. This work is of Ajax and Achilles during the Trojan War and the story of the Iliad. Exekias named the characters; however, he also signed it himself at the bottom. In Greek art, Achilles and Ajax are often depicted with their weapons and armor, such as on this vase.Exekias also had other works such as the one depicted to the left. This work is believed to be that of Exekias, and it also depicts Greek war hero Ajax. Ajax was in the Trojan War, and this scene is from that time period. The two handled amphora is similar to other works from Exekias, including Ajax and Achilles playing a game. However, this amphora is not as peaceful, as the Greek Tragedy indicates that Ajax is about to throw himself on the sword (K.E. Carr).
The background and life of Exekias is unclear (K.E. Carr). He could have been rich, or he could have been a slave. One thing that we do know is that he is credited as one of the greatest Greek artists of his time. He was also credited with the Calyx Krater (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).
A krater is something that is used to mix wine and water, which is why the lip is so large. This work depicts black figures fighting in the main scene, and also in the second scene as lions appear to be eating something. The two handled krater has warriors and their hoplite shields battling next to a fallen warrior. This is one of the earliest works for Exekias, and he is credited with inventing krater vases.
The Amasis Painter
Along with Exekias, the Amasis painter was one of the most accomplished Greek artists of the time as he has been accredited with painting more than 130 vases during the Archaic period (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008). His works, such as this one, include black figure paintings on vases.The Amasis painter made a handful of works with Dionysus, the god of wine. Normally portrayed with his wine cup, Dionysus is also normally depicted with a beard in most works. The works with Dionysus by the Amasis painter could also relate to fertility. This work is a good example of how that could be. Here, the Amasis painter puts him with satyrs, who are also associated with fertility.
The Amasis painter tends to make art that is more peaceful in nature than that of Exekias, as depicted in the works in this digital exhibit.
