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In about 530 B.C., the red figure techniques of painting were invented in Athens. The effect is the reverse or negative of the black figure. The figures are drawn in outline while the background was painted black. This drew them into more vivid relief than the black figure. Within the outline, figure details were drawn with the brush, and not incised with engraver.
The early red figure artists still use some color on their figures but it is soon abandoned for a more simple contrast, which suits the new technique better than the old. Gone for instance is the old color differentiation of sex. This way, different textures of drapery or strength of body modeling could be rendered. The brush also encouraged more detail and realistic treatment of anatomy and attention to depiction of posture.
By the last years of the sixth century B.C., almost every vase painter of quality in Athens was committed to red figure.
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Man and Woman Dancing Lekythos Vase
This Attica Lekythos is from 510 BC. A man and woman are shown dancing. The woman is wearing a beautiful dress and elaborate headpiece. She plays the castanets. The dress may be a costume, for it is quite different from the usual tunic that women of the period are usually depicted wearing. This vase is no longer manufactured, once sold, it is gone forever. The painted details have a “recently unearthed” finish. This vase measures 23.5”H x 7”W x 7”L.
4576, $835
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Three Men Fighting Attica Oinochoe Vase
Depicted in this red Attica Oinochoe Vase are three warriors locked in battle. Two warriors carry their spears and shields; one with a horse emblem and the other with a flower emblem. The center figure lies on his back with a spear in one hand and a dagger in the other. This vase is no longer manufactured, once sold, it is gone forever. The black hair details protrude from the vase surface. The painted details have a “recently unearthed” finish. This vase measures 11”H x 6.5”L x 6.5”W.
4582, $563 SALE PRICE!! $395
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Aphrodite and Eros Attica Amphora Vase
This Attica Amphora is from 560 BC. On one side of this Amphora, a man and a woman visit a tomb, bearing gifts. The other side depicts Aphrodite, goddess of love, seated with a jewelry box in her lap. She holds open the lid of the box, preparing to select an adornment. Eros, one of Aphrodite’s offspring, hovers near her, bearing a crown in the form of a strip of cloth. Between them hangs a mirror. Eros is often included in scenes depicting Aphrodite. This vase is no longer manufactured, once sold, it is gone forever. The painted details have a “recently unearthed” finish. This vase measures 12”H x 7.5W x 7.5L.
4578, $596 SALE PRICE!! $395
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Dionysos and Flute Player Greek Vase
Dionysos, god of wine, reclines on a couch, his wine cup in his hand, while he listens to a boy playing a double-reed flute in this red-figure kylix.
The kylix is a type of wine cup that was often very decorative so that a nice design would appear when the cup was emptied. Dionysos was a common motif on the kylix ceramics because of his association to wine. Because the shape was broad and shallow, the drinker could sip from the kylix while reclining, the usual drinking position at the ancient "symposia."
This Red Figure Dionysos and Flute Player Greek Kylix Vase is made from terracotta, in a multicolor finish, and measures 11.5"H. 6451, $279
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