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Attic Red-Figure Kylix
Written by Douglas R. Allen
Related to the Style of the Thalia Painter, Greek
Attic Red-figure Kylix, c. 510-500 B.C.
Terracotta with Glaze
Purchased with funds from the Marriner S. Eccles Foundation for the Marriner S. Eccles Masterwork Collection
Museum # 2000.8.1
A kylix (also spelled cylix), is a wide-bowled drinking cup with horizontal handles designed to be drunk from a reclining position. In ancient Greece it tended to be a practical in design, with twin handles for a sure grip. It was one of the most popular forms from Mycenaean times through the classical Athenian period. There was usually a painted frieze around the outer surface depicting a subject from mythology or everyday life. On the bottom of the inside of the piece was also a painting, often depicting a dancing or drinking scene.
Slide Description
The UMFA’s kylix is an excellent piece of ancient Greek pottery. It has a beautiful black surface and the painting is skillfully handled. The black slip surrounds the figures which are on the outside of the kylix as well one on the inside.
Decoration
The decoration of the kylix is comprised of a band of patterns balanced with floral designs, figures and an animal. The figures around the outside rim and the other composition on the inside of the bowl are very detailed. This flat round surface called tondo, is well suited for painting and provides an area for intricate designs. These two parts were often juxtaposed, one commenting on the other. The outer decoration was visible for all to see while the inside decoration was more private and revealed to the individual who had emptied the bowl.
For example, there may be one theme presented on the outside of the kylix, such as dancing and drinking, a happy party theme while on the inside, once the wine was exposed there would be a figure being sick and vomiting, suggesting the opposite theme.
In the UMFA’s kylix the figures on the outside are drinking and dancing while the one on the inside is solemn and carries a bat or weapon.
Red-Figure Design Lesson
Written by Douglas R. Allen
Art History:
Show the slide of the Attic Red-Figure Kylix
Theme:
Discuss the design potential of the black background and the red clay being exposed to the surface. Discuss the philosophy of design on the outside of the vessel as well as on the inside.
Objectives: Students will
- understand the Red-Figure design process
- appreciate the detail in design
- brainstorm for ideas in design
- understand balance in design
- understand harmony and unity in design
- understand stylized design of anatomy
- understand floral and geometric design
Materials:
paper
pencil
pen
scratchboard
tape
x-acto knife
burgundy red tempera paint
paper towel
Instruction for Activity:
- Students create a circular design using some or all of the following themes: floral, geometric, anatomical.
- Design is created with pencil on paper which is the same size as the scratchboard.
- Once the design is completed and a skillful use of balance and harmony is displayed in the design it is ready for transfer. Tape the paper design to the top of the scratchboard so that the copy is secure only at the top. That way it can be flipped up and down as one is working to see the progress.
- Take a pen and go over the design which has been created in pencil on the paper. This should leave an indention of lines on the scratchboard surface from the pen tracing.
- Once you have all the lines redrawn over with pen then you are ready to start using the x-acto knife to scrape away the areas that you will expose as white, you will later color most white areas with burgundy red tempera paint.
- Use the curved blade of the x-acto knife to create fine lines as well as pull off larger areas of black.
- Once you have completed your design and all areas of white have been exposed recheck to make sure you have emphasized your design theme, having harmony and unity in your composition.
- Make any adjustments to complete your design.
- Take the burgundy red tempera paint and paint over the white exposed areas. With a paper towel wipe off the excess and wipe off all areas of black. The scratchboard is sooth and should wipe off easily. This will leave the Terracotta color in the white areas of the design. Any areas of the design that you want to remain white will need to be carefully worked around.
- If there are some areas that you want to leave white, thin lines, etc. you can now go back in your design and pull those areas out with your x-acto knife.
Display the Results: Learning is then enhanced.
Critique as a Group: Talk about the designs, themes, etc.
Core Objectives:
Standard 1030 - 04: The student will interpret and apply visual arts in relation to cultures, history, and all learning.
Objectives 1030-0402: Connect various kinds of art with particular cultures, times, or places.
Standard 1040 - 01: The student will explore and refine the application of media, techniques, and artistic processes.
Objectives 1040-0101: Explore a variety of art materials while learning new techniques and processes. -Use value, color, and texture to create interest.
Standard 1050 - 02: The student will analyze, reflect on, and apply the structures of art.
Objectives 1050-0202: Create works of art using the elements and principles. -Use contour lines to indicate the form of objects.
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