The Volute Krater

A collection of vases were discovered in Berlin (a series of unknown ceramics were discovered in the archives of Berlin, dating back 490 BCE) - all found to all share similarities in craftsmanship and style; this collection was credited to the artist dubbed the Berlin Painter. Never inscribing his works, the Berlin Painter was noted to have a stylistic detail in painting a variety of shapes and sizes of vases. ‘The delicacy of execution, balanced proportions, scarcity of ornament, and air of ernest nobility define the Berlin Painter’s artistry in his early years.’ (Toledo Museum of Art)
The piece I choose to analyze is The Volute-Krater, a dynamic and large ancient Greek vase. Volute-Kraters were used in the mixing of water and wine, used
This technique helps give clarity to shapes and fluidity to movement. (ARTH Class Lecture, 10/11/2017) The main decoration on the neck and handles, a common trend in archaic period. The decorations in between the handles (lecture notes 10/2) draw attention to the frieze displaying the storytelling of The Trojan War
The decoration on the handles and above the frieze with the subjects presents flowers and filigree filling the empty space. Above that, around the lip of the krater is a meander border. Motifs around the handles a popular Geometric style, this vase successfully unifies traditional and contemporary styles of two different periods. (ARTH Class Lecture, 9/27/2017) Near the foot of the Krater are sun rays reaching up to the body of the krater. With few imperfections, there is the possibility of the neck and lip not being consistently
On the reverse side, Achilles attacks Trojan warrior Hektor with his weapon - Athena behind Achilles showing approval, Apollo behind Hektor turning from him and leaving him to his death. (Toledo Museum of Art) The extreme detail in the figures were impressive. Done in red figure, this means one had to work on the silhouette and paint around the object being displayed. Being very small around the neck, also being in three-fourths view show extreme craftsmanship and depth in such a small area. (ARTH Class Lecture, 10/11/2017) The fluidity and movement shown in a smaller scale was impressive to me. We are able to identify movement within the figures, Achilles lifting his foot - shifting his weight to lunge his spear at Hektor, who is staggering backwards, one knee bent and the other foot lifting off of the ground to indicate his falling. We can see the drapery in the clothing of Thetis, Eos, and the patrons Athena and Apollo. For example, with Apollo’s turning away, the cloth drapes across the leg closest to Hektor - further defining movement and physical bodice with the cloth stretching across his calf muscle and thigh. (Toledo Museum of