active 540 – 520 B.C. Exekias worked as a potter and vase-painter in the black-figure technique in Athens from about 540 to 520 B.C. He began his career as a potter for a workshop of vase-painters who are collectively known as Group E.
What is Exekias famous for?
Exekias, also spelled Execias, (flourished c. 550–525 bc), Greek potter and painter who, with the Amasis Painter, is considered the finest and most original of black-figure masters of the mid-6th century bc and is one of the major figures in the history of the art.
When did vase painting start?
The red-figure technique of vase painting was invented in Athens around 530 B.C.E. and its invention is often attributed to an artisan referred to as the Andokides Painter (1).
How many vases by the Potter painter Exekias survive today?
Known By His Vases.
His signature appears on two vases as both potter and painter, and on eleven others as the potter. Other vases are attributed to him on stylistic grounds and thus a total of about forty of his pieces survive.
Where was the Achilles and Ajax vase found?
540-530 B.C.E., 61.1 cm high, found Vulci (Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican) .
What does amphora mean in English?
1 : an ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck , and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth broadly : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world. 2 : a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora.
What style is black-figure ceramics?
Black-figure pottery painting, also known as the black-figure style or black-figure ceramic (Greek, μελανόμορφα, melanomorpha) is one of the styles of painting on antique Greek vases . It was especially common between the 7th and 5th centuries BC, although there are specimens dating as late as the 2nd century BC.
What are the two colors of vase painting techniques?
The two most popular techniques of vase decoration were the black-figure technique, so-named because the figures were painted black, and the red-figure technique , in which the figures were left the red color of the clay.
Who invented the vase?
The ancient Egyptians are thought to be the earliest civilisation to have used vases for decorative purposes. Indeed, it was in ancient Egypt that we have the first evidence of vases being used to store flowers, as we do today. These vases were, however, quite basic in shape and design.
Is Greek vase a decorative art?
Greek vases, with rich iconography and their distinctive decorative style , provide a rare look into life in Ancient Greece. Not only were they practical objects from the time, but they also offer insight into the artistic developments, religion, and political beliefs of the civilization.
Why did Achilles and Ajax play dice?
It was because he had been cheated out of becoming the best of the Achaeans . The visible proof for being the best would have been the awarding of the armor of Achilles, after that hero had been killed, to Ajax. Instead, the award went to Odysseus—and unfairly so, according to the tradition. §0.3.
Where is the Francois Vase?
Alessandro François found fragments of the Francois vase in 1844 in an Etruscan tomb north of Chiusi, Italy. Subsequent excavations led to the discovery of additional fragments. The vase was made in Athens (Greece) .
How were Roman amphora made?
Roman amphorae were wheel-thrown terracotta containers . During the production process the body was made first and then left to dry partially. Then coils of clay were added to form the neck, the rim, and the handles.
Why is Ajax a hero?
Ajax is a mythological hero in Greek legend. He is also known as Ajax the Greater. He was a son of Telamon, who was the king of Salamis. Ajax is described in Homer’s Iliad as a man of great stature and colossal frame , second to the Greek hero Achilles in strength and bravery.
What are Achilles and Ajax doing on the vase by Exekias?
Exekias, the most insightful black-figure artist, transforms the personal rivalry between the two Greek heroes of the Trojan War into a board game . ... Achilles and Ajax are neglecting their duties and irresponsibly play at a board game while the Trojans enter the Greek camp.
What gift does Ajax give to his son?
Ajax then gives his son his shield , and leaves the house saying that he is going out to purify himself and to bury the sword given to him by Hector. Teucer, Ajax’s brother, arrives. Teucer has learned from the prophet, Calchas, that Ajax should not be allowed to leave his tent until the end of the day or he will die.
