The artist Andokid: the initiator of the red-figure style from Attica

In the VI century BC, the artist Andokides lived in ancient Attica, who is recognized as the creator of red-figure vase painting. The real name of the artist is unknown to historians, he received the nickname in honor of a master potter who lived at the same time and left a signature on some products. Almost all the works of Andokid - the vase-painter are amphorae, only two objects are bowls. There is an opinion that Andokides studied with Exekius, who lived in Athens around the same period.

Seven products painted by Andokid are decorated in the bilingual style. This is a special technique that characterizes the transition period between black-figure and red-figure vase painting: images made in both the first and second styles were applied to objects. Probably, the use of two styles at the same time contributed to the sale of products. According to some scientists, the black-figure side of the amphorae was painted by another artist - Lysippid.

The main theme of Andokid's drawings was mythological subjects. For example, one of the amphorae, which is stored in Munich (Germany), depicts a feasting Hercules. For human figures, angularity is inherent, the ornaments on the clothes are carefully drawn. Other Greek artists continued the style of Andokides, for example, Euphronius, who mastered red-figure painting and worked with new forms of ceramics.