Black-figure pottery

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Black-figure pottery is a style of ancient Greek pottery that was prominent from the 7th to the 5th centuries BCE. This technique involves the use of a slip that turns black during firing to create silhouetted figures and scenes on the natural red clay of the pottery. The black-figure technique was developed in Corinth and later adopted and refined by Athenian potters.

History

The black-figure technique originated in Corinth around 700 BCE and quickly spread to other regions of Greece. By the 6th century BCE, Athens had become the leading center for the production of black-figure pottery. The technique was eventually supplanted by the red-figure pottery technique around 530 BCE, although black-figure pottery continued to be produced for some time thereafter.

Technique

The process of creating black-figure pottery involved several steps:

1. **Shaping the vessel**: The potter would first shape the vessel on a potter's wheel.
2. **Applying the slip**: A liquid clay slip was applied to the areas of the vessel that were to be black.
3. **Incising details**: Details were incised into the slip using a sharp tool, revealing the red clay beneath.
4. **Firing**: The vessel was fired in a kiln through a three-stage process that involved oxidizing, reducing, and re-oxidizing the atmosphere within the kiln. This process turned the slip black and left the background red.

Iconography

Black-figure pottery often depicted scenes from Greek mythology, daily life, and athletic competitions. Common themes included the exploits of Heracles, the Trojan War, and various gods and goddesses. The figures were typically shown in profile, with detailed incised lines used to indicate muscles, clothing, and other features.

Notable Artists

Several notable artists and workshops are associated with black-figure pottery, including:

• **Exekias**: Known for his detailed and expressive works, Exekias is considered one of the greatest black-figure painters.
• **The Amasis Painter**: Recognized for his fine line work and intricate details.
• **The Andokides Painter**: Known for his bilingual vases, which feature both black-figure and red-figure techniques.

Legacy

Black-figure pottery had a significant influence on the development of later Greek pottery styles, particularly the red-figure technique. It also provides valuable insights into ancient Greek culture, mythology, and daily life.

Related Pages

• Red-figure pottery
• Ancient Greek pottery
• Greek mythology
• Athens
• Corinth
• Exekias
• The Amasis Painter
• The Andokides Painter