Greek Vase Painting

3 units

This seminar will examine vase painting from the geometric period (ca. 800 BC) to the end of the red-figure style (ca. 350 BC), but the majority of class time will be spent looking at Attic vase-painting of the sixth and fifth centuries BC. The iconography of Greek vases, particularly Attic black-figure and red-figure, provides an extraordinary view into the culture and beliefs of contemporary society. Some vases are clearly made as grave offerings, others as votive offerings at sanctuaries, and still others for use at home. The focus of this seminar will be the relationship of a vase's images to the context of its use. How much does the intended use and audience for the vase determine the images on it? These important questions have not received much attention by scholars, and class papers may possibly result in publications. Enthusiastic class participation required. Occasional responsibility for presentation of weekly readings. Class paper and presentation.