Art History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Art History - Essay Example The interior of the krakers was glazed so as to make the clay surface suitable for holding water. Also, for aesthetic reasons because the interior was seen easily (Richter, 55). The participants at the start of each symposium elected a lord of common drink or symposiarch. This lord would be in charge of the wine servants, the degree of wine dilution and how it changes as the party continues, and the rate at which the cups will be filled. The centerpiece of the symposiarch’s power was how the krater was filled and emptied. An astute symposiarch was able to make out the degree of inebriation of his fellow participants. Hence, he made sure that the event went on smoothly and without cases of excess drunkenness. Drinking undiluted wine in ancient Greece was considered low, as it characterized the person dinking a drunkard and someone who lacked self-control and principle. For an optimal long conversation, the ancient writers advised a ratio of one is to three (wine to water). A ratio of one is to two was for fun, and a ratio of one is to one was suitable for orgiastic revelry (Richter, 75). There were various forms of krakers. These include column kraker, which has its origin in Corinth though it was Athenians. Calyx krater, this kraker resembles the shape of a calyx flower. It has low handles, which protrude at the base of the bowl. Volute krater, it is attic in shape and has handles which look like the volute of a capital. Bell kraker, it has the look of inverted bell, and they are all red-figure. On this assignment, the focus will lie on the Calyx kraker mixing bowl. The calyx kraker depicts dueling scenes from the Trojan War. The mixing bowl is in the museum of fine arts in Boston. The bowl is from the late archaic period about 490-480 B.C. It has a height of 45.2 cm, or 17 13/16 in diameter is 51.3 cm (20 3/6 in). It is a red figure ceramic classified as Greek vessel. The Tyszkiewicz painter got his name from the vessel (Richter,