Funerary Krater
Large Funerary vessels were made between 900 and 700 BCE as grave markers. Many grave markers have been found at the ancient cemetery in Athens. On the funerary, there is a pictorial record of the burial ritual that was performed. There is great detail depicted on the vessel. According to the Stockstad, the body is placed at the top of the vessel lying on the side ready to be cremated. There are people standing on each side with their arms over their head to imply the gesture of anguish and mourning. In this vessel, there are horse-drawn chariot and foot-soldiers who with their defined physical appearance, move in a glum procession. The shields can be a representation of a military person, or represent a very important person. There are geometric figures used to represent humans in the picture. There are triangles used for torsos and head, round dots for the eyes, long and thin rectangles for the arms. The figures have tiny waists. Three dimensional form illusions taking over real space have been avoided. There is a rhythm of repeated features on the vessel to create a deep sense of human loss to many. Opposed to the Egyptian death perspective, the Grecian dead enter an area of mystery and obscurity that a living human can not define.
The Funerary Krater caught my attention when it was discussed in class. It is remarkable that the Grecian could create such an art work. I would not be able to create 1% of it. The depictions of the ceremony with the entire geometric figure in there are very well defined. The different views between the egyptians and the Grecian concerning death make me think about their different culture. They are very close to each other, so why not have similar death theories. This vessel reminds me of Narmer palette. The way that the lines are defines and how a story is told. This vessel makes me want one to be put on my grave when I am gone.
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