Beazley Archive Pottery Database

Definition

The Beazley Archive Pottery Database is a comprehensive online resource that catalogs ancient Greek pottery, primarily focusing on the Athenian red-figure and black-figure vases from the 6th to the 4th century BCE. This database facilitates research and analysis by providing access to images, descriptions, and contextual information about thousands of pottery pieces, promoting greater understanding of artistic styles, production techniques, and cultural significance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Beazley Archive Pottery Database contains detailed records of over 50,000 pottery pieces, making it one of the largest databases of ancient Greek ceramics.
2. It was created by Sir John Beazley, a prominent archaeologist and art historian, who played a significant role in identifying and cataloging ancient Greek vases.
3. The database is used by scholars worldwide for research in various fields, including art history, archaeology, and classical studies.
4. Images and descriptions in the database are linked to specific historical contexts, enhancing the understanding of how pottery relates to ancient Greek culture and society.
5. Regular updates and contributions from researchers ensure that the database remains a vital resource for ongoing scholarship in ancient Greek pottery.

Review Questions

• How does the Beazley Archive Pottery Database enhance research capabilities for scholars studying ancient Greek pottery?
  • The Beazley Archive Pottery Database enhances research capabilities by providing a centralized platform with detailed records, high-quality images, and contextual information about thousands of pottery pieces. This allows scholars to easily access data on stylistic trends, production methods, and historical contexts that inform their studies. The comprehensive nature of the database supports cross-referencing between artifacts, encouraging comparative analysis among different pieces and styles.
• Discuss the impact of digital resources like the Beazley Archive Pottery Database on the field of archaeology and art history.
  • Digital resources like the Beazley Archive Pottery Database have revolutionized the fields of archaeology and art history by making vast amounts of data readily accessible to researchers globally. These databases facilitate collaboration among scholars by allowing them to share findings, images, and interpretations easily. Additionally, they promote public engagement with ancient cultures through online access, fostering interest and education about classical art and its historical significance.
• Evaluate the importance of Sir John Beazley's contributions to our understanding of ancient Greek pottery through his creation of this database.
  • Sir John Beazley's contributions were pivotal in shaping our understanding of ancient Greek pottery. By establishing the Beazley Archive Pottery Database, he created a foundational tool that catalogs thousands of artifacts with precision and insight. His work not only identified individual artists and their styles but also contextualized pottery within broader cultural narratives. This comprehensive approach has laid the groundwork for ongoing research, enabling contemporary scholars to build upon his legacy in interpreting ancient artistic practices.

Related terms

Athenian Pottery: Ceramics produced in Athens that are characterized by distinct styles, particularly the red-figure and black-figure techniques.

Red-Figure Technique: A pottery painting technique where the background is painted black while the figures remain the natural red color of the clay, allowing for greater detail in depiction.

Black-Figure Technique: An earlier pottery painting style where figures are painted in a black slip against the natural red color of the clay, often using incision to add detail.