Altamura painter
Encyclopedia
The Altamura Painter was an early 5th century Greek vase painter. Most of his work is dated from 475 BC- 425 BC. He was one of the associates of the Niobid Painter
. They worked on new techniques which gave their characters different levels of depth and space on the painting
s. His worked with the style known as the Red-Figure technique
. This was an evolution from a technique known as Black-Figure
. Many of his vases were discovered in parts of Southern Italy. Some were also found in Athens
.
His style of painting is predominantly focused on the characters in the paintings. He doesn't display much of designs on his vases except some floral patterns and meander patterns. Many of his vases are of the larger class such as Volute
and Calyx Kraters. This was common among the group of Painters he worked with. As he got closer to the 4th century he started experimenting with smaller shapes.
The Altamura Painter received his name from his most well known piece which was a Volute Krater found in Apulia
. It is now located in the British Museum
in London
. It depicts a scene known as Gigantomachy
. This displays the battle between Zeus
and the Olympians vs. Chaos and the Giants. The Altamura Painter covers this topic in a large amount of his paintings. He also have many paintings which depict the wine god Dionysos and his Maenad
s.
Niobid Painter
The Niobid Painter was an ancient Athenian potter in the red figure style, named after a krater which on one side shows the god Apollo and his sister Artemis killing the children of Niobe who were collectively called the Niobids. There is some confusion as to what is being depicted on the opposite...
. They worked on new techniques which gave their characters different levels of depth and space on the painting
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
s. His worked with the style known as the Red-Figure technique
Red-figure pottery
Red-figure vase painting is one of the most important styles of figural Greek vase painting. It developed in Athens around 530 BC and remained in use until the late 3rd century BC. It replaced the previously dominant style of Black-figure vase painting within a few decades...
. This was an evolution from a technique known as Black-Figure
Black-figure pottery
Black-figure pottery painting, also known as the black-figure style or black-figure ceramic is one of the most modern styles for adorning antique Greek vases. It was especially common between the 7th and 5th centuries BC, although there are specimens dating as late as the 2nd century BC...
. Many of his vases were discovered in parts of Southern Italy. Some were also found in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
.
His style of painting is predominantly focused on the characters in the paintings. He doesn't display much of designs on his vases except some floral patterns and meander patterns. Many of his vases are of the larger class such as Volute
Volute
A volute is a spiral scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the Ionic order, found in the capital of the Ionic column. It was later incorporated into Corinthian order and Composite column capitals...
and Calyx Kraters. This was common among the group of Painters he worked with. As he got closer to the 4th century he started experimenting with smaller shapes.
The Altamura Painter received his name from his most well known piece which was a Volute Krater found in Apulia
Apulia
Apulia is a region in Southern Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Òtranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south. Its most southern portion, known as Salento peninsula, forms a high heel on the "boot" of Italy. The region comprises , and...
. It is now located in the British Museum
British Museum
The British Museum is a museum of human history and culture in London. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. It depicts a scene known as Gigantomachy
Gigantomachy
In Greek mythology, Gigantomachy was the symbolic struggle between the cosmic order of the Olympians led by Zeus and the nether forces of Chaos led by the giant Alcyoneus...
. This displays the battle between Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
and the Olympians vs. Chaos and the Giants. The Altamura Painter covers this topic in a large amount of his paintings. He also have many paintings which depict the wine god Dionysos and his Maenad
Maenad
In Greek mythology, maenads were the female followers of Dionysus , the most significant members of the Thiasus, the god's retinue. Their name literally translates as "raving ones"...
s.