A Grecian urn is a type of ancient pottery from the Classical period of ancient Greece and can be divided into four broad categories: black-figure, red-figure, white-ground and the newer, miniature figures These vessels were used to store and protect important items such as food, spices and olive oil, as well as to display art and contain the remains of the deceased. They were made from earthenware and terracotta with a variety of decorative elements, such as figures, geometric patterns and scenes from mythology. Grecian urns have become iconic symbols of Ancient Greek art and culture, and have been studied and admired by academics and enthusiasts alike.
1. The Euphronios Krater. This famous red-figure Grecian urn is considered to be one of the greatest of all Greek vases. It was painted around 530 BC by the celebrated artist Euphronios and is decorated with a scene of a dead warrior, slain by Achilles in the Trojan War. The painting is full of emotion, movement and detail, making it a masterpiece of ancient art. The urn is also significant for its quality of craftsmanship, which is considered to be some of the best of its time.
2. The François Vase. This is a rather unusual Grecian urn, as it is decorated with a polychrome design. Created in 570 BC by the artists Kleitias and Ergotimos, the vase features 48 etched figures from scenes in Greek mythology, including the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. The François Vase is also notable for its large size, measuring over 80 cm in height.
3. The Niobid Krater. This is a striking black-figure Grecian urn, which dates to ca. 440 BC. It was created by the potter Exekias, who is known for producing some of the finest examples of Greek pottery. The urn is finely decorated with scenes from the Iliad and its most remarkable feature is the dramatic depiction of the death of Niobid.
4. The Apollo Krater. This is a rare white-ground Grecian urn dating to ca. 430 BC. Its plain white background is decorated with a scene of Apollo killing a giant boar with a bow. The quality of craftsmanship is outstanding, with the bronze details rendered in fine detail. It is now held in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
5. The Berlin Foundry Cup. This is a lovely red-figure Grecian urn, which is believed to be created by the celebrated artist, Euphronios. The cup is decorated with a scene depicting the coming of new life, with a young man offering a new flame to the god Hephaestos. This urn is significant for its delicate and refined depiction of the mythology theme, which is typical of Euphronios' works.
Grecian urns are treasured for their beauty and craftsmanship, and for their timeless depictions of life and mythology. They offer a fascinating insight into the culture and beliefs of Ancient Greeks, and are highly sought after by collectors and museums. These ancient artifacts remain powerful symbols of Greek culture and serve as reminders of the everlasting influence of this ancient civilization.