Pelike

Definition

A pelike is a type of ancient Greek pottery that is characterized by its large size, distinctive shape with a round body, and two handles. This vessel form was commonly used for storing and transporting liquids, such as wine or oil, and played a significant role in the advancement of red-figure painting techniques during the Classical period. The pelike often featured intricate artwork that highlighted the capabilities of artists in depicting dynamic scenes and figures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pelikes were typically used to store wine or oil, making them functional as well as decorative pieces in ancient Greek culture.
2. The red-figure technique allowed for greater artistic freedom, enabling painters to create more realistic human figures and elaborate scenes on pelikes compared to earlier black-figure techniques.
3. Many pelikes feature mythological themes, athletic competitions, or daily life scenes, showcasing the skill and creativity of ancient Greek artists.
4. The shape of a pelike, with its wide body and narrow neck, helped to maintain the quality of liquids stored inside by minimizing evaporation.
5. Pelikes often served as grave goods, indicating their importance in rituals related to death and burial practices in ancient Greece.

Review Questions

• How did the red-figure technique enhance the artistic expression seen on pelikes compared to earlier pottery styles?
  • The red-figure technique allowed artists to depict figures in greater detail and realism than the black-figure style. With the ability to paint fine lines and details on the figures themselves, artists could show intricate facial expressions, body postures, and clothing patterns. This enhanced artistic expression made pelikes more visually captivating and helped elevate the status of vase painting as an important art form in ancient Greece.
• Discuss the cultural significance of pelikes in relation to their use in ancient Greek society.
  • Pelikes held cultural significance beyond their functional use as storage vessels. They were often associated with social gatherings where wine was consumed, thus playing a role in rituals and celebrations. Additionally, their elaborate decorations often depicted important cultural themes like mythology or athleticism, reflecting societal values. Pelikes also served as grave goods, emphasizing their importance in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
• Evaluate the impact of advancements in red-figure painting on the production and popularity of pelikes during the Classical period.
  • The advancements in red-figure painting had a profound impact on both the production and popularity of pelikes during the Classical period. Artists became increasingly skilled at using this technique, which allowed them to create more complex compositions that appealed to patrons. As demand grew for aesthetically pleasing vessels that showcased artistic talent, pelikes became highly sought after items both for practical use and as collectible art pieces. This shift not only influenced pottery design but also elevated the status of vase painting within the broader context of Greek art.

Related terms

red-figure technique:

A method of ancient Greek vase painting where the background is painted black, leaving the figures in the natural color of the clay, allowing for greater detail and complexity in the artwork.

krater:

A large vase used for mixing wine and water, typically characterized by its wide mouth and two handles, often adorned with elaborate designs.

Attic pottery:

Pottery made in Athens during the Classical period, known for its high-quality clay and intricate decoration, including both black-figure and red-figure techniques.