Greek Ceramics

Paper Summary:

This paper will explore the development of the representation of the human figure on classical Greek ceramics. Given the sheer range and scope of the production in question, discussion will be focused on the tradition of the representation of human figures upon Athenian ceramics in particular. As will be seen, this limitation is not entirely arbitrary. While Greek pottery was dominated by Corinthian production for much of its early history, as Athens grew in commercial and political importance it began to dominate the market for ceramics in the Greek world. From about the sixth century BC onwards, it will be argued, the representation of the human figure upon Athenian pottery grew increasingly sophisticated in both technique and theme. As will be seen, gradually the rigid poses and mythological themes yielded to figures and scenes more reflective of the everyday life of the population. This increasing sophistication, to some extent, reflects the prosperity of the Athenian industry and its capacity to bring in artists from outside Athens whose talents were to transform Greek ceramics.

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