The red figure vase was an innovation amongst Greek artists, the technique of painting onto the wet clay in slip enabled a world of new images to be created. Whilst this technique is not largely different from that utilised in black figure the adaptations dismissed any prior restrictions such as depiciting small details. Moreover, examples of where red figure is 'rich in narrative' can be seen on the 'Niobid' krater, the large vase was used for the mixing of wine so provided a wide canvas for this story to be depicted. The figures on one side of the vase fill the central section, they are framed by a border of running floral motifs in the red slip that stands out against the dark black backround. Furthermore, there are two figures which recline along the bottom half of the image, the first figure is shown to be female through long hair and appears dead through the closed eyes and arrow which protrudes from her side. The young male beside her lies on his front and has an arrow in his back he further appears to be decased as his eyes are also shut. Above these two slumped ffigures stand two large figures which have been idnetified as Apollo and Artemis; this is evident through their connotation of the bow and laurel wreath. They both stride forwards Apollo at the front flanked by Artemis, Apollo extends his back leg leaning onto his front anddrawing back his arms as trying to relase an arrow, his defined musculature twists with his action and displays his strength. His gaze is and he lifts up his drapery to remove any obstacle highlighting his intent. When looking at Artemis she appears more composed, she stands still only moving her arms to remove an arrow from her bag and to hold the bow, she gazes in the same direction as her brother suggestin their joint intent. The design on the krater illustrates a well known story and emphasises the recognisability of it through the attrbutes of the two main figures thus highlighting that this is a vase rich in narrative.
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