Art History Overview: Forms and Styles

Vase Painting: Kerch Style

The Kerch style, also known as Kerch vases, refers to a category of red-figured pottery that emerged from the area of Kerch in present-day Crimea. This pottery is significant as it combines artistic elegance with functional utility. The shapes that are commonly found within this style include:

Pelike: A wine container typically used for storage.
Lekanis: A low bowl characterized by two horizontal handles and a shallow broad foot.
Lebes Gamikos: This type features high handles and a lid, often used for carrying bridal baths.
Krater: A large vessel employed for mixing wine and water, essential for social gatherings.

Common motifs depicted on these vases often illustrate scenes from women's lives, mythological beings popular among the communities surrounding the Black Sea, or portrayals from mythical narratives. The artistic technique employed in these works is known as polychromy, which involves the use of multiple colors, especially vibrant hues, to create striking visual statements.

Paintings from Ancient Egypt

Egyptian paintings played a crucial role in the burial rituals, serving the purpose of ensuring a pleasant afterlife for the deceased. With themes revolving around the journey to the underworld, these paintings emphasized the importance of life after death, integrating the connection between the earthly existence and the divine.

The predominant features of Egyptian paintings are their stylized symbolism which often includes the depiction of animals or humans. Colors typically used are red, black, blue, gold, and green—derived from mineral pigments that can endure strong sunlight without fading. The paintings on tomb walls served as a record of royal life and expected encounters in the afterlife, showcasing events that the king experienced while alive.

Paintings from the Classical Greek Era

During the classical Greek era, paintings were primarily executed on vases, panels, and tombs. These works depicted natural figures set within dynamic compositions, portraying scenes of battles, mythology, and daily life. Artists adeptly utilized methods to present linear perspective and naturalism in their representations.

The most common techniques employed in Greek painting include:

Fresco: A technique involving the use of water-based pigments applied to freshly applied plaster on wall surfaces. The colors are derived from ground powder pigments mixed with water, creating durable and long-lasting murals.
Encaustic: This method, originating from Greek shipbuilding, utilizes hot wax to seal the pigments applied to a surface, providing a glossy finish.

One example from this period is the "Judgement of Paris," dating back to 370-330 B.C., which epitomizes the aesthetic excellence of Greek art.

Paintings from the Pre-Historic Era

Prehistoric paintings, discovered inside caves, likely served as a form of communication among humans or held religious significance. These artworks provide insight into humanity's earliest creative expressions. The motifs often featured animals, drawn with remarkable attention to proportion and detail.

A prime example is the "Cave of Lascaux," dating from 5000 to 10000 B.C., known for its vivid renderings of large local animals. This cave contains nearly 2,000 figures, which encapsulate a mixture of animal representations and abstract designs.

Further Analysis and Understanding

This lesson encourages reflection on how artworks can be classified into distinct periods based on their characteristics and functionalities. Engaging with various art forms, including paintings from ancient Egypt, Greek civilizations, and prehistoric times, allows us to comprehend the evolution of artistic expression throughout human history.

As students explore these artistic manifestations, they are prompted to consider how they classified the artworks into respective periods and the criteria behind their classifications. This self-analysis fosters a deeper understanding of art history and its significance in interpreting human culture and societal development over time.

Overview of Ancient and Classical Art Forms

Overview of Ancient and Classical Art Forms