From Utility to Aesthetics in Ancient Artwork

Often beautiful in form and adorned with striking images, artifacts of the ancient Mediterranean world can be classified in myriad ways. Some are strictly utilitarian; others lean toward the decorative. These two are not mutually exclusive, however, as evidenced by ancient painted pottery, where form, function, and decoration frequently combine to great effect. In this exhibition, drawn primarily from the Tampa Museum of Art permanent collection, objects are grouped according to certain common features—from images, aesthetics, and individual style to form, utility, and technical details.

Image Credits

Red-Figure Oinochoe, attributed to the Harrow Painter, Greek, Attic, ca. 470 B.C., ceramic. Tampa Museum of Art, Joseph Veach Noble Collection  1986.072

White-Ground Lekythos, attributed to the Inscription Painter, Greek, Attic, ca. 460 B.C., ceramic. Tampa Museum of Art, Joseph Veach Noble Collection, purchased in part with funds donated in memory of Dorothy M. Mosely  1986.079

Articulated Doll, Greek, 5th c. B.C., terracotta. Tampa Museum of Art, Gift of the Sahlman Family  2005.013