Blackfigured

/ˈblækfɪɡjərd/ adjective

Definition

Describing a style of ancient Greek pottery where dark figures are painted on a light-colored background, a major artistic technique from around 600-400 BCE.

Etymology

Compound adjective from 'black' and 'figured' (decorated with figures), used in art history to describe this specific pottery technique that originated in ancient Greece.

Kelly Says

Black-figured pottery was revolutionary—artists had to paint the figures in solid black and scratch details into the paint with a sharp tool, requiring incredible skill and creating some of history's most beautiful designs.

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