Introduction

These essays were created by a group of University of Colorado students and are intended to accompany the CU Art Museum's collection of ancient Greek vases and figurines. The essays discuss a broad range of topics, including chronology, major historical figures, decorative techniques, and so on. 

The symposium in ancient Greek society

June 18, 2018

A discussion of the nature of the symposium in ancient Greece, including its representation in texts and art.

Wedging

June 15, 2018

A definition of the wedging method of working clay before throwing.

Turning

June 15, 2018

A definition of turning, a method of removing excess clay from thrown vessels.

Phoenicians and the Greek pottery trade

June 15, 2018

An introduction to the Phoenicians and their influence on ancient Greek pottery trade and production.

Trade and Commerce between ancient Greece and the Levant

June 15, 2018

A discussion of the evidence that exists for the movement of goods between ancient Greece and the Levant beginning in the Late Bronze Age.

Throwing

June 15, 2018

An explanation of the method of pottery formation called throwing.

South Italian Vase Painting

June 15, 2018

An introduction to the vase painting workshops of South Italy and Sicily in the 4th century B.C.E.

Slip

June 15, 2018

A definition and discussion of slip, which was a primary component of black-figure and red-figure vase painting in ancient Greece.

Shrinkage

June 15, 2018

An introduction to shrinkage, a process that affects clay vessels as they dry and again when they are fired.

Athenian Red-Figure Vase Painting

June 15, 2018

The history, techniques, and uses of Athenian red-figure vase painting.

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