Kleitias facts for kids
Kleitias (pronounced KLEE-tee-as) was an amazing ancient Athenian artist. He was a vase painter who worked in the black-figure style, which was a popular way to decorate pottery back then. Kleitias was active around 570–560 BCE, which means he lived and worked about 2,500 years ago!
His most famous artwork is the François Vase. This incredible vase was made around 570 BCE. It's covered with more than 200 figures spread across six different scenes. Kleitias often worked closely with a potter named Ergotimos. We know this because their names are written on some of the pots and a ceramic stand they created together.
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Who Was Kleitias?
Kleitias was a master of the black-figure style of vase painting. This technique involved painting figures in black on the red clay of the pot. Then, artists would scratch in details and add touches of red or white color. His work is known for its detailed scenes and lively characters.
The Famous François Vase
What is the François Vase?
The François Vase is a large, ancient Greek mixing bowl called a volute krater. It's named after Alessandro François, who discovered it in Italy in 1844. This vase is a masterpiece of ancient Greek art. It shows many stories from Greek mythology.
Stories on the Vase
The François Vase is like a comic book from ancient times. It tells many stories from Greek myths, including:
- The wedding of Peleus and Thetis (the parents of Achilles)
- The hunt for the Calydonian Boar
- The funeral games for Patroclus
- The return of Theseus to Athens
Each scene is carefully painted with tiny details. It shows how skilled Kleitias was as an artist.
Other Works by Kleitias
Besides the François Vase, Kleitias signed his name on a few other pieces. This helps us know for sure that he painted them. He also created other works that experts believe are his, even if they don't have his signature.
Here are some of the works he signed:
- A cup found in Gordion, now in Berlin.
- Fragments of cups found in Naukratis, now in London and Cambridge.
- A ceramic stand from Vari, now in New York.
These pieces show his consistent style and amazing talent.
See also
- Painter of Acropolis 606
- Black-figure vase painting
