The color of figures in black-figure vases comes primarily from the clay with which the vases were made, whereas the color of figures in red-figure vases comes primarily from the paint used to create images on the vases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In both black-figure and red-figure vases, the color differences are primarily due to the firing process, not the paint or the clay itself. The figures in black-figure vases are created by applying a slip that turns black upon firing, while the background remains the natural color of the clay. In red-figure vases, the process is reversed, with the background being coated and the figures remaining the natural red color of the clay.

The Color of Figures in Black-Figure Vases Comes Primarily from the Clay