Red-Figure Volute-Krater Pre-Visit Activity ABC Lesson 3

The Patera Painter South Italian (Apulia) Red-Figure Volute-Krater, ca.340-320 B.C.E Painted terra-cotta

Teacher Resources:

Patera Painter A southern Italian vase painter working around 350 B.C.E. whose real name is unknown. The artist painted mostly funeral scenes on large pots which were used for religious traditions in ancient Greece. The name “Patera Painter” comes from the long handled drinking bowls used in religious ceremonies called pateras, which are often seen in the artist’s paintings.

Red-Figure A style of Greek vase painting that shows drawn red figures and a painted black background.

Volute Krater A type of Greek vase used for mixing wine and water. The term “volute” describes the scrolled handles. In Ancient Greece, volute kraters were used to serve beverages at parties and as burial markers.

For another example of the Patera Painter’s work click here.

Red-Figure Volute-Krater Pre-Visit Activity ABC Lesson 3

Directions: When you look at art, it is fun to make up your own story about what is going on. Read the make-believe story about the scene on the ancient Greek vase below. Notice that the story has a beginning, middle, and end. Read the story a second time and highlight the descriptive words.

The Patera Painter South Italian (Apulia) Detail of Red-Figure Volute-Krater, ca.340-320 B.C.E Painted terra-cotta

There once was a pale young woman who sat in a wooden chair under a white structure. She held a special box in one hand and then gazed at her marvelous reflection in the mirror. Inside the mysterious box contained objects of her beloved mother.

Two peaceful girls approach with fancy offerings for the pale young woman. They brought her jeweled mirrors, decorated plates, and juicy grapes. The girls wanted to see inside the mysterious box because they had heard of the special objects that belonged to the pale woman’s mother.

The pale young woman could not decide what to do. Later, the two girls came back with more lavish gifts so that the pale young woman would show them the rare objects inside the old box. Together they opened the box with a loud creaking sound from the wood. Vibrant stones inside the box began to glow brightly and the three women were given everlasting wisdom.

Red-Figure Volute-Krater Post-Visit Activity ABC Lesson 3

Directions: After making artwork the students can write a cinquain poem about their vase. The poem is another chance for students to practice using descriptive words and reflect on their artwork at the same time.

Cinquain- a structured, five-line poem. It always follows this pattern:

Line one- A one word title (noun)

Line two- Two words that describe the title (adjectives)

Line three- Three words that show the action of the title (verbs)

Line four- Four words that express a feeling about the title (phrase)

Line five- One word that is another word for the title (synonym)