Black-figure pottery

Definition

Black-figure pottery is an ancient Greek ceramic technique characterized by the use of a black slip that turns shiny black during firing, allowing for detailed painted designs to stand out in the natural red clay of the pot. This method was predominant from the 7th to the 5th century BCE and often depicted scenes from mythology and daily life, reflecting the cultural and religious values of ancient Greece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Black-figure pottery originated in Corinth before spreading to other parts of Greece, particularly Athens, where it reached its artistic peak.
2. The technique involved painting figures with a slip made from fine clay mixed with water before firing, which caused the designs to appear glossy and black against a red background.
3. Common themes depicted on black-figure pottery included mythological narratives, heroic tales, athletic competitions, and scenes from daily life.
4. Famous artists like Exekias and Euphronios were notable for their skill in black-figure painting, creating some of the most celebrated works in this style.
5. As black-figure pottery declined in popularity during the 5th century BCE, it was gradually replaced by red-figure pottery, which allowed for greater detail in human anatomy and expressions.

Review Questions

• How did black-figure pottery reflect the social and religious values of ancient Greek society?
  • Black-figure pottery served as a canvas for depicting important aspects of ancient Greek life, including mythology, athletic competitions, and rituals. These designs often communicated cultural ideals such as heroism, beauty, and communal values. By showcasing mythological figures or scenes of worship, this art form reinforced societal beliefs and practices central to ancient Greek identity.
• Compare and contrast black-figure pottery with red-figure pottery in terms of technique and artistic expression.
  • Black-figure pottery involves painting figures in a black slip on a red clay surface, creating stark contrasts that emphasize outlined shapes. In contrast, red-figure pottery reverses this process by leaving the figures red while painting the background black. This shift allowed artists more freedom to depict details like facial expressions and anatomical features more realistically in red-figure style. The evolution from one technique to another reflects changes in artistic priorities within ancient Greek culture.
• Evaluate the impact of prominent artists like Exekias on the development of black-figure pottery and its legacy in ancient art.
  • Exekias was pivotal in elevating black-figure pottery to an art form through his innovative designs and mastery of narrative composition. His work not only set high standards for craftsmanship but also influenced subsequent generations of potters. The legacy of artists like him is evident in how they inspired the later transition to red-figure techniques, showcasing the evolving nature of Greek art while firmly establishing black-figure pottery's importance in depicting cultural stories and values.

Related terms

Red-figure pottery: A ceramic technique that emerged after black-figure pottery, allowing for more detailed and intricate designs, where the figures remain the natural red color of the clay while the background is painted black.

Attic pottery: Ceramics produced in Athens, especially during the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, known for their high quality and artistic excellence, often featuring black-figure and red-figure techniques.

Kylix: A type of ancient Greek drinking cup characterized by its shallow bowl and two horizontal handles, often decorated with elaborate black-figure designs.