description François Vase Overview
The François Vase is a large Attic black-figure volute krater created around 570 BCE, currently displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Florence. The vessel is signed by its potter, Ergotimos, and its painter, Kleitias. It is distinguished by its intricate, multi-register decoration, which features over 200 individually labeled mythological figures, including scenes from the Trojan War, the Calydonian boar hunt, and the wedding of Peleus and Thetis. This extensive labeling makes it an invaluable document for the study of early Greek mythology and vase painting.
help François Vase FAQ
Who made the François Vase?
The François Vase is a renowned Attic black-figure volute krater that is signed by both of its creators. It was thrown by the potter Ergotimos and painted by Kleitias around 570 BCE.
Where is the François Vase located today?
The vase is currently on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Florence in Italy. It was discovered in fragments in an Etruscan necropolis by Italian archaeologist Alessandro François in the mid-19th century.
What makes the François Vase so historically important?
The vessel is highly distinguished by its intricate, multi-register friezes that feature over 200 figures. These detailed scenes provide an unparalleled visual record of early Greek mythological narratives and iconography.
Why does the François Vase look like it was glued together?
In 1900, a frustrated museum guard in Florence smashed the vase into hundreds of pieces. It was meticulously reconstructed, though some small fragments were lost, leaving it a fascinating artifact of both ancient history and modern conservation.
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