Rayet et Collignon, Histoire de la céramique grecque, p. XVII, fig. 7.
[Illustration: Fig. 64. Boy finishing vase
Rayet et Collignon, _Histoire de la Céramique grecque_ p. XVII, fig. 7]
A boy is sitting with a cup (kotyle) in one hand and an implement in the other, evidently engaged in a finishing process. Perhaps he is removing the surplus clay after the handles have been attached; for the vase is as yet unglazed and is left in the red color of the clay, in contrast to the black kotyle and oinochoë on the stand close by.
_8. Terracotta statuette of a potter in the British Museum._
British Museum, Guide to Greek and Roman Life (2d edition), 1920, p. 181, fig. 216.
[Illustration: Fig. 65. Potter building a vase
British Museum, _Guide to Greek and Roman Life_ (2d Edition), p. 181, fig. 216]
A man is represented in a crouching attitude apparently engaged in building a pot.
[Illustration: Fig. 66. Athena and Victories crowning potters at work
Athena and two Victories crowning potters at work. To the left is a potter sitting on a low stool and engaged in decorating a volute krater; he is holding a brush in his closed fist in Japanese fashion, and is looking in surprise at the Nike who is crowning him; by his side are two paint pots. In front of him another workman, comfortably seated on a chair, is busily painting a kantharos which he holds tipped on his lap. He also holds the brush in his fist downwards. Another kantharos and an oinochoë stand on the floor, awaiting their turn to be decorated; on a low stand close by are two paint pots, one with its lid tipped against the side. The artist is completely absorbed in his work and has not yet discovered Athena, the patron of arts and crafts, approaching him with a wreath. Behind Athena a third workman is seated on a low stool, decorating a bell krater with a palmette design. He tips up the vase with one hand, holds the brush firmly in his fist, and has his paint pot within easy reach on the floor. A Nike is about to crown him with a wreath; but he, too, is entirely engrossed in his work and quite unconscious of the honor to be conferred on him. Completing the scene on the right is a girl on a low platform painting the handle of a large volute krater. The figure is of special interest today, for it shows that there were women potters then as now. Above her on the wall are suspended a kantharos and a lekythos. The whole scene is of great importance as the most representative we possess of ancient vase painters at work.