Geometric period

Geometric Period

A period in Greek art characterized by the use of geometric shapes to create human and animal figures as well as abstract décor.

Horror vacui

A style of painting where the entire surface of a space is filled with patterns and figures.

Amphora

A two-handled jar with a narrow neck used in ancient times to store or carry wine or oils.

Krater

An ancient Greek vessel for mixing water and wine.

Proto-Geometric period

The period from 1050 to 900 BCE when painting on ceramics began to re-emerge in Greece, featuring abstract geometric shapes.

Athens

The city that became the center for pottery production during the Geometric period.

Dipylon Gate

One of the west gates of Athens where a potter's quarter was located during the Geometric period.

Votive

An offering deposited within a religious site without the purpose of display or retrieval.

Lost-wax method

A technique used to produce bronze figures during the Geometric period, where a wax model is covered in clay, heated, and then molten bronze is poured in, melting the wax and taking its shape.

Seated Male Figure

A bronze sculpture from the Geometric period depicting a man drinking from a cup, characterized by triangular torso, cylindrical arms, and slightly naturalistic legs.

Man and Centaur

A bronze sculpture from the Geometric period depicting a man and a centaur, featuring elongated arms and relatively naturalistic rendering of human legs.

Geometric Horse statuette

A bronze statue from the Geometric period depicting a horse, characterized by rectangular body and legs, and an arched neck.