Polygnotos (vase painter)

Polygnotos was an ancient Greek vase painter who flourished in Athens during the Classical period, specifically the High Classical period, around 450-420 BCE. He is considered one of the most important and influential vase painters of that era.

While no vases are definitively attributed to Polygnotos based on signature alone, several works are attributed to him based on style and artistic merit. These vases are often associated with the Niobid Painter, and some scholars believe they may be the same person, or that Polygnotos was a senior artist within a workshop of which the Niobid Painter was a member.

His style is characterized by a mastery of drawing, particularly in the depiction of human anatomy and drapery. Polygnotos's figures are often rendered with a sense of monumentality and gravitas, reminiscent of contemporary large-scale painting. He favored dramatic and narrative scenes, often drawing inspiration from mythology and epic poetry. He pioneered the use of multiple ground lines in vase painting, creating a sense of depth and spatial complexity that was innovative for his time.

His influence can be seen in the work of other vase painters of the period, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Athenian vase painting. His contribution represents a shift towards greater realism and expressiveness in the depiction of the human form, moving away from the more stylized conventions of earlier periods. He is considered to have pushed the boundaries of vase painting towards the monumental scale and narrative complexity found in contemporary wall painting.