What was so unusual about Exekias vase painting?

What was so unusual about Exekias vase painting?

John Boardman, the eminent historian of Greek art, described Exekias’ style as follows: “The hallmark of his style is a near statuesque dignity which brings vase painting for the first time close to claiming a place as a major art.” He was an innovative painter and potter, who experimented with new shapes and devised …

What are Achilles and Ajax doing on the vase by Exekias?

On Exekias’ amphora in the Vatican, the vase represents Achilles and Ajax playing a board game on one side. On the other side is a young man, Castor, with his horse, Kyllaros; other figures are his mother, Leda, his father, Tyndareus, and his twin brother, Pollux (Polydeuces).

How do we know Achilles is winning the dice game on Exekias Achilles and Ajax vase?

Exekias integrates form with psychology to convey the impression that Achilles, the younger warrior on the left, will win the game. On the right, Ajax leans farther forward than Achilles so that the level of his head is slightly lower than Achilles’, and he has removed his helmet.

Who is shown playing a dice game with Achilles on the ceramic vessel studied in class?

Achilles and Ajax Play a Game We have two main subjects on the amphora: on the right side, there is Achilles, and on the left, there is Ajax.

What was Exekias known for?

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. At some point, he separated from Group E and began to decorate vases as well as potting them.

Who were Achilles and Ajax?

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 were vases used for in ancient Greece?

For the ancient Greeks, vases were mostly functional objects made to be used, not just admired. They used ceramic vessels in every aspect of their daily lives: for storage, carrying, mixing, serving, and drinking, and as cosmetic and perfume containers.

How were geometric funerary vases used?

Ancient Greek funerary vases are decorative grave markers made in ancient Greece that were designed to resemble liquid-holding vessels. These decorated vases were placed on grave sites as a mark of elite status.

Where is the Exekias vase?

The J. Paul Getty Museum 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.

Where was the vessel Achilles and Ajax discovered?

It was found in Vulci, Italy but was manufactured most likely in the studio of a potter named Andokides in Greece 540-530CE.

Who signed the vase of Achilles?

The vase is signed, just behind Achilles’s right arm, by Exekias as potter. The painting has also been attributed to him. The amphora ‘s taut and rounded shape is emphasized by the spirals around each handle, and the figures, the pattern decoration and the writing are all immaculately rendered.

What does the scene on this vase show Achilles looming over Penthesilea?

The scene on this vase shows Achilles looming above her as she sinks to the ground. Achilles’s face is masked and protected by his helmet; Penthesilea’s helmet is pushed back to expose her features and emphasize her vulnerability at this vital moment.

How did Achilles defeat Penthesilea?

Front side: Achilles slaying Penthesilea: Achilles steps to right, bearded, with long tresses, fully armed, high-crested helmet and short striped chiton, and has beaten down the Amazon queen Penthesilea on one knee, and plunges spear into her throat.

What does exexekias do with the Spears?

Exekias, the most insightful black-figure artist, transforms the personal rivalry between the two Greek heroes of the Trojan War into a board game. Both Achilles and Ajax are heavily armed; Achilles still wears his helmet, and both hold their spears as if they may suddenly have to use them.