Amasis Painter
The Amasis Painter is a prominent figure from the sixth century BCE, recognized for his distinctive black-figure pottery style. His work is characterized by meticulous detail, with figures rendered in silhouette against the natural clay background. This technique allowed him to create vibrant scenes that often depicted gods, heroes, and noble figures, emphasizing elegance in hair, clothing, and intricate decorative patterns. The Amasis Painter is attributed with around 132 vases, with a notable preference for amphorae—large storage vessels with two handles—on which he crafted designs that harmonized with the vessel's shape. One of his most celebrated pieces illustrates the deities Dionysus and Athena, showcasing his ability to portray dynamic narratives. His style and innovative approach influenced subsequent Attic vase painters, including the renowned Exekias. The signature "Amasis made me" found on several of his works has helped to solidify his legacy in the study of ancient Greek art. His contributions continue to be appreciated for their artistic sophistication and cultural significance.
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Amasis Painter
Related civilization:Archaic Greece
Major role/position: Painter
Life
“Amasis made me” is a signature found on many sixth century Greek pottery vases. Eight vases so signed were also painted by the same artist, who is known to us today simply as the Amasis (uh-MAY-suhs) Painter. Today 132 vases are attributed to the Amasis Painter. This artist has a distinctive, sharp, flat, and meticulous black figure style. Black figure vase painters left the background of the vase “in reserve” (the natural color of the clay) and painted their subjects in black, with touches of white and red. Additionally, patterns in textiles and hair were incised through the paint to reveal the lighter color beneath. The Amasis Painter’s figures are portrayed in silhouette, are muscular but sleek, and represent gods, nobles, and heroes. These elegant scenes exhibit exquisite detailing in hair, dress, and decorative bands of petals and spirals. The Amasis Painter preferred to paint on amphorae, vases with two handles used for storage, and is known for creating designs harmonious with the vases’ shape.
Influence
One of the Amasis Painter’s best known amphorae illustrates Dionysus and the Maenads on the front panel and Athena and Poseidon on its obverse. The Amasis Painter is known for the use of uncommon shapes, variations of standard scenes, and a refined, elegant style, often influencing other Attic painters, among them Exekias.
Bibliography
Boardman, John. Athenian Black Figure Vases. Reprint. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1991.
Von Bothmer, Dietrich. The Amasis Painter and His World: Vase Painting in Sixth-Century b.c. Athens. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1985.