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| Art Speak - Ancient Art |
Amphora |
This type of jar was used to store wine and oil. Amphorae were often embellished with painted or incised decoration.
[Greek art]
Archaic |
An early period in Greek art history, circa 700 BC - 480 BC.
[Greek art]
Bas Relief |
Term used to refer to a low or shallow relief.
Black Figure |
A type of vase painting in which figures (of humans, gods, etc.) were painted using glaze, then incised. These black figures contrasted with the body color (usually reddish orange) of the vase.
[Greek art]
Column |
A type of pillar used extensively in Greek and Roman architecture.
Fresco |
Painting on plaster.
Frieze |
A long horizontal band on a building, sometimes decorated with carved ornament.
Kalos |
This Greek word means "beautiful" or "handsome". Some ancient vase paintings include a kalos dedication.
Karyatid |
(The word is also spelled caryatid). These statues of female figures function as columns - there is a famous series of karyatids on the Erechtheion.
Kore |
Refers to a statue of a girl (the word kore means "maiden" in Greek). The feminine form of kouros. [Greek art]
Kouros |
A statue of a nude young man.
[Greek art]
Krater |
A mixing bowl. Like the amphora, these vases too were often painted on the exterior.
Kylix |
A drinking cup. The interiors were sometimes painted with scenes or other decoration.
[Greek art]
Metope |
A panel used in Doric architecture, usually offset by triglyphs.
Mosaic |
An image made of pieces of glass or stone (which are called tesserae).
Orders |
The orders are: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.
Pantheon |
In art, this refers to a temple to all the gods. The Pantheon in Rome is a famous example of such a temple.
Pediment |
A triangular area formed by the roof of a building, and often embellished with sculpture in Classical art.
Red Figure |
Vase paintings in the red figure style are basically the reverse of black figure - first, an outline of the figure is made in black, then the background is filled in with black also, leaving the figures red.
[Greek art]
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Gardner's Art Through the Ages
This classic art history reference book features a comprehensive glossary of art terms and techniques, from abacus to zoomorphism. Whether you are interested in ancient art or modernism - or anything in between - the glossary in Gardner's is a great introduction to Art Speak!
From Abacus to Zeus
Another useful reference book for information about art terms and techniques. It is described as an "illustrated glossary and iconographical guide [that] presents a wealth of information bearing on the history of the visual arts."
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Greek Art
This beautifully illustrated book (from the Phaidon Art and Ideas series and written by Nigel Spivey) covers the subject of ancient Greek art brilliantly.
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