Exekias Belly Amphora

Produced by Pare and N

gapoko

Attribution Details

Name: Exekias Belly AmphoraWhen made: 540-530 BCSize: 61cm Potter: ExekiasPainter: Exekias

How is the painter identified?

• Exekias was known to be a painter that painted with exquisite detail.

• Highly original in not only his painting style but also the shape of the vases that he paints

• Instead of small friezes that cover the whole vase he would only use one LARGE frieze.

The Shape• Vase shape: Belly Amphora

Amphora is a two handled vase for the storage. Used for carrying/storing wine, oil, grain, etc.Lip

Belly

Shoulder

Handles Neck

Foot

What makes this amphora different to other amphorae?Exekias continues with the Grand Style of Attic black figure

painting. Grand Style- One Frieze on the vaseMiniature style of the Francois Vase which is several small friezes

The detail in the of the figures are arranged in a more formal composition

Belly Amphora has a much larger neck. The belly is almost as broad high. Flanged, decorated handles were not used for belly amphora’s except for this one.

The foot of the vase is stepped and moulded into two parts.

What part did the painter play in the creation of this shape?

The painter who is Exekias painted with exquisite detail and made the vases that he painted highly original. Not just in painting style but also the shape of the vase. Exekias painted the two figures bodies to the shape of the vase.

Where does the handle join the vase?

The top of the handle on the right and left hand side both join to the neck of the vase, and the bottom of the handles join at the shoulder of the vase.

How would you describe the shape of the handles?

The handles of the vase together for half of a heart.

They are both flattened.Their graceful flare is emphasized by the chain of

ivy leaves which decorate the outer side of the handles

Inscriptions

Four different types of Inscriptions.

Inscriptions

Three next to Ajax Four next to Achilles Exekias signature Kalos can be seen at the

back of Ajax and it reads “ Onerides is beautiful”

Most significant inscription reads “ Exekias painted and made me” this can be found on the rim of the vase.

The scene

The scene or The Myth• Achilles and Ajax- This scene is from the last

poem about the Trojan War. Achilles who is on the left and Ajax who is on the right are playing a board game. They weren't aware of the enemy approaching and were still playing when the Trojans attacked.

The CharactersOn the Left side is the Warrior Achilles. This is

known because it is said that Achilles always wore his Corinthian Helmet with the horsehair crest.

On the right hand side is Ajax bare headed. His helmet hangs above his shield.

They are both sitting on boxes.

Psychological tension• Exekias is the master of psychological tension

because it was stated that and Greek who saw the painting on the vase would have known exactly what was going to happen.

Painting Technique

Painting technique Silhouette-

The colour of his body . The Corinthian Helmet The Black figure it self.

Incised detail- The detail that has been incised into Achilles cape. The incising of the muscles on his leg to show and effect of the

muscle. The facial hair on his face through his beard there are straight lines in

it. Added colour-

Purple and white was used to enliven detail

Painting techniqueBlack figure

Figure painted in silhouetteSilhouette is a figure that’s all black

Detail is put through incisingIncising is cutting into

Purple and white used as added colours to enliven detail.But due to the fragility of the colours the chipped of

over the years

Painting TechniqueBackground

The figure was completely filled in with blackslip. The clay surface outside the figure was left untouched. Leaving the lighter coloured orange-red as a background

The slip was applied with many brushes. DETAILS then added to the figure through incising with a

sharp instrument, so that the lighter coloured clay underneath showed through creating a pattern.

The firing process turned the slip a glossy black, contrasting with the orange-red clay.

Composition of Side A

Composition The composition of the

vase is balanced and symmetrical. In the centre is the game table and is framed by the figures of Achilles and Ajax.

There is also and elaborate double lotus and palmette motif in a frieze across the top of the scene.

Symmetry Lines The two central figure form a

triangle. The figure of Achilles and Ajax

are symmetrical and this accentuated by the spears and shields.

A reverse triangle Is also formed by the spears of the warriors.

The spears bisects the first triangle and emphasizes the heads of the warriors as the main focus.

Both the spears continues right up and through both of the handles

The shields follow the line of the handles

The curving of the warriors bodies follow the shape of the vase.

There is only one ground line

StyleRealism

Horsehair tailing down helmetBulge of the leather corselet under cloakExtra glaze to give Achilles’ curl body

Cloaks Incised with incredible detailPanels are filled with stars spirals and flowersThese are all influenced by Corinthian Orientalising

technique.

StyleDrapery

Flat and 2Dimensional. Natural look Achilles cloak is heavily decorated. Added colour of

use

MusclesMuscles are incised

No attempt to show them

Hair Intricately incised pattern.

Armour• Shields

Achilles shield has a Satyrs head in high relief.Boeotian shield-archaic.Used for scenes from heroic mythologyAjax shield is intricately detailed.Bearded gorgons head between two writhing snakesThe shied leans on the edge of the panel and mirroring

Achilles shield