Early Greek Vases essays

Early Greek Vases essays Because of the 3D nature of the canvas, early Greek vase painters had to devise new and effective ways to portray their 2D work of arts onto the rounded vessels. The Greek vase painting styles of the era are divided into three main types (all of which describe their colouring after being fired): Black-figure, Red-Figure and White-Ground. Black-Figure painted vases fall into one of two groups: the miniature style and the grand style. The Franà §ois vase is an example of one of the most elaborate miniature style vases of the time. Its neck is divided into two bands; its belly has four, three of which portray figurines (the last being ornamental); one on the foot giving the vase a total of 6 decorated bands each portraying a different theme. The characters depicted have been painted using the typical black figure technique of the black fill and incision for detailed parts (added colour is used as well). The vase itself has two sides, therefore whether or not the story flows in a circular composition alternates between each band. Because of this and the nature of the vases shape (Volute Krater), it means the vase can be placed differently according to preference to show varied stories depending on which side is in view. The depiction of these multiple mythical stories by using bands to separate them, is an effective c ompositional technique by Kleitias. Another effective feature, and one used in a lot of other vases is the use of ornamental borders accentuate the curves of the handles and sometimes near the base of the vase or framing a frieze. An example of a grand style black figure vase is the Exekias Belly Amphora. The various parts of the vases is emphasised by the decoration in a variety of ways, both ornamentally and using the characters. A chain of ivy vines articulate the flanged curves of the handles with the rounded belly, which is also modelled with the ornamental pattern at the foot and the top bo ...