Greek vase painting

Greek vase painting is the art of decorating pottery used in ancient Greece, particularly from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE. Artists used vivid black figures or red-orange backgrounds to depict scenes from mythology, daily life, and athletic events. These images were created with clay slip that turned black during firing, contrasting with the natural red of the clay. Vases served both functional and storytelling purposes, providing insight into Greek culture, beliefs, and practices. The craftsmanship reflects sophisticated techniques and a keen sense of composition, making Greek vase painting a valuable source for understanding ancient Greek art and society.