The Craft of Athenian Pottery by Gisela M. A. Richter

Description

The Craft of Athenian Pottery by Gisela M. A. Richter is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. The text delves into the intricate techniques used in the creation of black-figure and red-figure Athenian vases, exploring both modern pottery practices and historical methods of the ancient Greeks. By combining hands-on insights gained through practical pottery training with archaeological findings, Richter aims to revise established theories regarding the craftsmanship and artistry of Athenian ceramics. At the start of the text, Richter outlines her motivation for the study, which stems from a recognition that the modern methods of clay working can shed light on ancient practices due to the consistency of clay’s properties over time. She explains how careful preparation, wheel work techniques, and other detailed processes lead to the creation of Athenian pottery. The opening also introduces the methodology of the book, which includes technical processes, representations of ancient potters, and references from classical literature, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind these celebrated artifacts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)