Vase Attributes Name Exekias Kylix When Made 535

Vase Attributes � � � Name: Exekias Kylix When Made: 535 BC Size: 30. 5 cm Potter: Exekias How do we know the potter? Exekias usually signed the vase “Exekias Epoese” or “exekia made (me)” on the front face foot. Painter: Exekias

The Painter has not identified his name. So why is the vase attributed to him? Because Exekias tended to paint the vase/pot that he potted, it was usually named “Exekias Vase” �

The Shape: Vase Shape : Kylix – Shallow Bowl ‘ a type’ What is it used for? >It was usually used for drinking wine at a symposium Where would it have been most likely used? >It was most like used at a symposium Who probably invented this shape? >Exekias How does this shape differ from other cups? > This shape is different from other cups because of the absence of an offset rim.

The Scene Identify the figure who appears in the centre of the scene >The figure Is Dionysus Give the two ways we can make this identification 1. He is holding the wine horn 2. Grapes have been incised and How is this person related to the vase? >Dionysus is the god of wine and parties, this is one of the main purposes of the vase.

How is the boat related to the use of the vase? >The curve of the bottom of the boat complements the shape of the vase. How is the red orche background wash related to the use of the vase? >It has a resemblance to the wine and the dark sea of the Mediterranean >Describe the actual myth being represented in the scene covering the interior of the vase. The myth is about Dionysus trying to be imprisoned by some Tyrrhenian pirates, but suddenly wine flowed over the boat and a vine sprang around them. In fear all the pirates jumped into the sea, where they transformed into dolphins.

Describe the mood of the scene >A quiet moment after all the intense action has occurred, it looks peaceful. How has the artist managed to achieve this mood? >A typical moment chosen by Exekias, it is a very quiet one.

Painting Technique What is the painting technique used on this vase >Black figure technique The background colour is not the normal colour of clay. What is it? >Black slip mixed with yellow orche, red colour slip. What was the main problem the painter faced using this background colour, resulting in what we see today? >The coral red colour did not adhere well to surface of the clay.

What two things has the painter done to create the picture of the grapes? 1. The grapes have been incised 2. A symbol of dionysus Using the picture on the previous page, give three specific examples of thee painting technique. 1. Silhouette: the figure id flat and shows no volume. 2. Incised detail: Dionysus robe is decorated with small incised cross 3. Added colour: white is added to the sail and purple is added to the grapes

� � � 6. silhouette: The three figures have been lined up besides each other in order to create depth but still stiff with postures Incised: warriors wear Corinthian style helmets, incised with details showing horse hair crest Added colour: add of purple in the helmets and armour

4. 5 the exterior � What types of helmet are the warriors wearing? Corinthian style helmets � What makes these typical figures painted by Exekias? All his figures are decorated with fine incised detail. He also uses colour. � There are three warriors on each side of the handle fighting over a dead body. What is the most likely myth being represented here? The dead warrior is Patroklus, Aehilles’ bestfriend who died fighting the Trojans.

He has put on Aehilles armour and had gone to fight but was killed by Hector. A battle ensured over his body. Eventually his armour was stolen by Hector before the body was recovered by the Greeks. � There are slight variations with the scene found around the other handle. What are the main differences? On one side the corpse has been stripped and is in the process of being dragged away. On the other side the dead warrior still lies fully armed filling the vacant space underneath the handle.

� � � Because of two large eyes on each side of the exterior of this cup, it is often referred to as an eye-cup what are two reason why these eyes were painted onto the cup? i) eyes suppose to be magical. When you drink your eyes are hidden and a pair of apotropaic eyes look out for you to ward off evil. ii) they also could have formed a humours theatrical mask when the drinker raised the cup to his face.

4. 6 composition � The scene on the interior of this vase covers the whole area. How does this differ from other similar cups? Normally painters only painted the centre and Exekias doesn’t do this. � What is found in the central part of the tondo? scene of Dionysus on a ship � What is found in the top 1/3 of the outer area? Vines

What is found in the bottom 2/3 of the outer area? Dolphins Give three ways the scene, or elements within the scene, complements the shape of the vase? i) The curve of the bottom of the boat complements the circular shape of the vase Dolphins flow/ complement the shape of the vase outside the boat. The vine spreads/flows around the top circle of the vase. � � ii) iii)