Analysis Of The Red Figure Calyx Krater By The Darius Painter
During the fourth century, red figure pottery became popularized in Athens, as well as Southern Italy. Red figure pottery, also known as attic figure vases, depicted stories and provided an understanding of ancient Greek life. Greek artists used a diverse array of clays with varying iron concentrations that oxidize to create the effect of different colors through a three phase-firing technique. The vases served many purposes, including storage and transport, mixing, jugs and cups, as well as holding cosmetics, oils, and perfumes. The Red Figure Calyx Krater was created between 340-330 B. C by The Darius Painter in Southern Italy. The Darius Painter depicts various figures originating from different echelons, giving an insight into 330 B. C society. Specific figures are shown wearing Doric Chiton conveying a sense of rule, and order. The artist uses intricate brushwork, strong line quality, as well as the inclusion of animals portraying a form of symbolism — all allowing for the representation in ancient aesthetics of timeworn Greek era.
The Red Figure Calyx Krater illustrates the story of Bellerophon with Iobates, the Lycian King. The story behind the image explains that Bellerophon had been falsely accused of making advances towards the daughter of Iobates. Bellerophon was, therefore, sent to deliver a sealed tablet that requested the death of the carrier. This story gives an insight to the rule and position of persons during this time period. The story illustrates how much power King Iobates had over Bellerophon, and the actions King Iobates could take to destroy Bellerophon.
In the image, the female figures are shown wearing long draped garments, known as Doric Chiton, as well as head covers. Not only did these garments provide modesty to women, but they also showed a person’s social status, as Chiton was a very expensive material in the early period. King Iobates is seen wearing Doric Chiton, along with a Phrygian cap, which signified freedom and liberty. Bellerophon, the son of Poseidon, can be spotted by his trident and Pegasus. Poseidon was the God of the Sea, and was known for his trident, which may have accounted for Bellerophon’s possession of a trident as well. Bellerophon and other figures are pictured unclothed, which signifies the physical power and strength they had — as there is a large emphasis on their muscular build.
One of the most significant symbols portrayed by the artist on the Red Figure Calyx Krater is the use of motifs. The first motif being Bellerophon’s Pegasus. These creatures symbolize power, stability, and bring fortune and freedom. The Pegasus is significant as it adds to the story of Bellerophon and Iobates’ encounter—as the creature assisted in the task of slaying the Chimaera. It is possible that the Pegasus brought fortune and freedom to Bellerophon during this task, allowing him to be victorious. Another significant creature shown is a swan. These animals are warrior goddesses, bringing victory to one side. The swan may be a foreshadowing characteristic in Bellerophon’s triumph.
The Darius Painter cleverly introduces intricate brushwork into his piece—from the meticulous details shown on the clothing to the unsystematic abstract details around the vase. The artist utilizes stippling brush strokes to add detail and texture to features such as the wings of the Pegasus, as well as the swan. By doing so, the artist makes the vase eloquent, straying away from unnecessary detail. The artist cleverly incorporates plants into his vase giving underlying symbolism to his work. The Darius Painter incorporates flame palmettes along the rim of the vase, adding symmetrical balance and stability to the pottery. The flame palmettes consist of 14 leaves, fanning upwards from the base of an etched design. Palm leaves symbolize victory, and triumph adding to the story of Bellerophon’s conquest. The artist also evokes a rustic feeling within the pottery through the somewhat rugged appearance of the chair, and footstool. The Darius Painter incorporates the contrapposto stance as seen by many of the figures on the vase. Contrapposto is a stance whereby most weight is placed on one leg, with the other leg being more relaxed — this stance adds life to the figures, removing the constraint a typical straight body would portray. The artist also includes dots throughout the image in order to ground the image. The dots add symmetry and complexity to the image. On the Red Figure Calyx Krater vase, viewers can see the complex line quality used by The Darius Painter. First, the lines of the chair in which King Iobates sits upon is comprised of different widths, including thin defined lines towards the bottom and gradually thicker lines as it moves further up. The thin lines of the chair are contrasted by the thicker brush strokes that makes up Bellerophon’s trident, and King Iobates’ staff. The lines allow for viewers eyes to follow a certain pattern, as he gives variation to width and length.
Each part of this piece proves to hold a unique design. The Darius Painter “provides a good example of the more elaborate type of illustration which is regularly to be found on Apulian vases. ” It is believed that The Darius Painter was also one of the very few artists to keep all vases intact, he was “totally competent with all renderings of human and animal action, but also delineation of mood and emotion. ” He incorporates several motifs including Bellerophon’s Pegasus, the swan and flame palmettes — all adding comparison between the text and vase. The Darius Painter perfectly illustrates fourth century B. C through his work with The Red Figure Calyx Krater, showing the importance or heroism, rule, and order.
