Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center

The sculpture created in Ancient Greece follows a progression from the rigid kouros figures to the dynamic sculptures of the Hellenistic period. In Ancient Greek the word "kouros" means a male youth, specifically an un-bearded male.

These figures have many characteristic traits including: a rectangular shape, which is just slightly larger than life-size, a body divisible by a set of mathematical proportions, a stiff form, depiction in the nude, muscular, stylized hair, a clenching of the fists at the sides of the body, a rigid stance with the left foot forward (similar to Ancient Egyptian sculptures), and a facial expression that suggests the beginning of a grin, known as the "Archaic smile."

As time progressed the depiction of the human form became more naturalistic. It seems as if the body is relaxed and engaging in a comfortable and natural position or activity. There was also a growing interest in the female body at this time. Sculptors also became skilled at showing facial expressions and emotions and to demonstrate their skills as an artist, many would depict their figures in active poses. However, there is still some sense of formality and stiffness within the figure, but the focus is on the expressions and emotions conveyed within the figures.

Agesander, Athenodorus, and Polydorus of Rhodes, Laocoön Group, Rome, c. Late 2^nd Century BC

The artists of the Hellenistic period produced some of the most emotional, expressive, and realistic sculpture of this ancient culture. These figures are muscular, expressive in both their positioning and emotional content, and realistic in their depiction of the natural form all living objects; humans, animals, as well as vegetation. Artists of this period also began to depict a wide range of characters and subjects, including old age, pain, and even death. It was the art of this period that greatly influenced artists of later periods, including Michelangelo and many other artistic masters.

With this technique the figures and details on the vase were of a red hue, while the background of the vase was black. Vases created in this style had intricate details that were painted on with brushes, rather than applied with sharp tools, as in black figure painting.

The vessels were placed inside a circular kiln and stacked upon one another. The air was allowed into the kiln. When the temperature reached 800˚C (1,472 ˚F) the painted background of the pot changed color to a deep red hue. At this point the air vents were closed and young green wood was added to the fire. The temperature was then raised to 950˚C (1,742 ˚F) and the entire surface of the pot turned black. The pottery was then allowed to cool down in temperature. The surface not covered with an extra layer of clay slip absorbed the oxygen in the air and turned to the reddish hue once again.

This ancient technique was considered to be secret and was only recently rediscovered since ancient times.

In this process, a potter would create a clay vessel, which would then be allowed to dry for three days. Then the potter would carve an outline, with sharp incising tools, of a figure or design into the clay. Then these designs were filled in with a slip, a liquefied clay paint. The potter could then use their sharp tools to create intricate details in their design.

The vessels were then placed in the kiln. During the firing process the slip would change to a black color, due to a chemical reaction between oxygen and the clay slip, the rest of the pot remained red, the original color of the clay.

Geometric Style 1000-700 BC: featured geometric patterns as prominent designs, towards the end of this period, depictions of human and animal figures appear between the bands of geometric decoration

Oriental Style 720-550 BC: at this time the Ancient Greeks had some contact with foreigners, such as the Egyptians, which led to what is called the "orientalizing" style, designs include: lotus plants, organic shapes, mythical monsters, towards the end of this period scenes from Greek mythology and daily life started to appear on the vessels, the figures on the pots also became more detailed and realistic in their design

Athenian Style 550-300 BC: this type of pottery design is the most sophisticated and detailed found within the histories of Ancient Greece, they depicted scenes from everyday life as well as events and figures from Greek mythology, in 550 BC the black figure style of vase painting emerged and in 530 BC the red figure style of vase painting emerged

Ancient Vase styles and uses
The Amphora, a two-handled jar with a wide body, was used to store wine, oil, and other liquids.

There were two main types of kraters: Calyx kraters, which have an organic shape, and Volute kraters, with spiral handles, similar to the design found on the capital of Ionic columns.

The wine and water mixture was then poured into a serving jug, known as an Oinochoe, which could be used as a ladle. The mixture was then poured into cups and served to guests.

The Kylix, Kantharos and Skyphos were drinking cups used at drinking parties. The god dionysus is often portrayed in art holding a kantharos.

A Hydria was a jar used for carrying water from the fountains and wells to the home. The two handles on the sides were used to lift it while the third, on the neck, was used for pouring.

An Aryballos and Alabastron were delicate round flasks that were used to hold perfumed oils and ointments.

The Pyxis is a flat round box used for storing medicines, jewelry or combs. It may have been used as a beauty box or perhaps as a wedding present, as many pyxis are decorated with wedding scenes or preparations.

The Loutrophoros is a large vase with a long neck, which is used for carrying water for a bride's ceremonial bath. If an individual died before marriage the Loutrophoros would be placed upon their grave.

The lekythos was a vase that was specifically made to contain oil, which was used to anoint the body after death.

The creation of a mosaic is an artistic technique that creates a picture using small pieces of tile or stone. These small tiles or stones were set into a pattern to create a design or picture and were adhered to the floor or ceiling to decorate a room. The word mosaic is derived from the Greek meaning "patient work, worthy of the Muses."

During the first centuries BC almost every high-class house had at least one mosaic. The first disciplined patterns and the first representation of figures and animals in mosaic appeared around the late 5^th century-early 4^th century BC. Many Greek mosaic designs reflect the influence of textiles, especially the wave-crest (Greek Key) design.

Throughout the 3^rd century BC the dominant subject matter was that of mythological, animal hunts or floral or vegetal motifs. In the 2^nd century BC the art of mosaics finally became respected as an art form. More and more artists began signing their pieces, showing that they took great pride in their work.

Mosaics satisfied requirements that no painting could, especially in providing durability. Paintings could flake or fade or be destroyed from fire or time, but since mosaics were made from stone and were structural as well as decorative they survived in greater numbers.