Greek Vases

Descriptive Essay # 1987

Archaeology > Ancient History and Mediterranean
Art
Art > History

Greek Vases

An examination of the themes found on Greek vases in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

1,185 words () | 4 sources | 2000 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the Calyx-Krater vase found at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The vase's depiction of a scene and ideas from Homer's "Iliad" is the focus of the paper. However, the history and coloring techniques of Greek vases are also discussed in detail. Illustrations are included with the paper.

From the Paper:

"One of the best sources for Greek Mythology is the paintings on Greek Vases. Stories of the gods and heroes are retold again and again in this medium, providing a two dimensional visual reference for the legends. Scenes showing the action of Homeric poems were common, as well as scenes depicting the ideas put forth in these writings. It is the scene of Sarpedon's death that is depicted, yet it is the idea of a hero's death that is inferred on the Calyx-Krater of the Metropolitan Museum."