black figure amphora
...d fired kilns. The vase surface was then covered with diluted clay, making and determining the extent of the glaze of the vessel. The silhouettes were painted, and more intricate detail was drawn with fine brushes or tools. By altering the flow of oxygen to the pot by increasing or decreasing, one could change the color from red to black (Young pgs, 32- 33). This combination of red and black except for the figures is known as a “bilingual” vase (Moonan pg, 3). Vessels like my Black Attic Amphora and others can convey to archeologists what everyday life was like through decorations, symbols, and figures that are specifically displayed on them. Displayed on the Greek pottery were legends, myths, and Gods, which all pertained to, and were popular topics in Greek life and culture. Not only did these topics pertain to pottery, they also were portrayed in Greek sculpture and architecture (Young 5). Regions and cities in ancient Greece were basically assigned one or more particular gods so they would be able to emphasize and fully exhaust their worship for these particular gods (Young 18). Much like painters and sculptures today, one can sometimes tell where, when, or by whom a piece of ancient Greek pottery was made by through looking at the characters in the vessel, as well as the form and shape (Moonan pg 3). Also like the present day, artists were very proud of their works and would leave a signature or symbol in the pottery as a certain advertisement for their individual skill. When paying attention to details of the pottery such as the intricateness, and subject matter of the surface, so many facts can be inferred such as social standing and even the lifestyle of the owner of this Greek time (Young 5). The black figure Amphora to which I was assigned has decorative elements that are directly connected with the Greek religious belief system. By merely glancing at the vase, one would assume that perhaps it is only of Ancient Greek men partaking in athletic games. But research proves that there is a deeper meaning of why the people on the vase were depicted in this way. Since Greeks believed in one or to gods depending on their city state, honoring these deities were of most importance. Men with physically fit and well proportioned bodies were thought to be god-like and pure; thus teaching us why the athletes are shown in an un-clothed form. It was as much a celebration of the human form, as it was a homage to the gods they worshiped. They would compete in athletic games to prove their worthiness to a particular god and vases such as the black figure amphora were actually given to victorious athletes. The artist who made this centuries ago felt that capturing this worship to the gods what significant and it remains noteworthy today as well. The scene on the vase is framed by organic shaped lines, running along the neck of the vessel and at the opening. The repetition of the symbols and design on both sides of the vase adds symmetry and balance to the composition. The javelins that the men are holding, leads one’s eye to the next figure on the vase, and it serves as a datum pointing us to our focal point. The heavier cloaked man counter balances the two un-clothed men that are facing him, creating an even composition. Due to the figure’s positions, sizes and absence of perspective, the subjects are, for the majority, two-dimensional. The contrast between the prominent bold black fig...