The geometrical style of art was very popular in the eighth and ninth centuries BC. Characteristics of this style include triangles and geometric decoration, which were unlike the circular figures and decoration that were previously popular. During the progeometric period, which preceded the geometric style, circular designs were used in ceramics.
A New Art Style Appears
When the geometrical style first appeared, it was characterized by the black dipylon style where black varnish was widely used. The earliest geometric designs were abstract and created by using black varnish. Dipylon refers to the gateway to the west of Athens in Greece during ancient times and this is where a particular kind of pottery was made and can be found. The middle geometrical era favored bands of animals that alternated with geometrical bands. Figures emerged during the middle geometric period, which reflected the wealth and stature of the pot owner. As time passed, the patterns on the ceramic piece became even more complex and often showed scenes of funerals, battles and chariot processions. The late geometric period continued to use abstract paintings, but also represented events from Greek mythology.
Fifth and Fourth Millenium BC
The geometric ceramics made in Greek between 1,050 and 700 BC are the primary surviving works of that era. Although geometric ceramics are associated with this era, this style actually appeared earlier during the fifth and fourth millennium BC, at which time spirals, triangles, squares, circles, lines and rhombi were used in designs. When natural subjects, such as animals, were portrayed during this time period, even they were arranged geometrically.
Opposite of Random
Use of geometrics showed control and harmony and rhythm as well as natural balance and orderliness as opposed to randomness. Some theorists believe that geometrics were used in Greek art as Myceneaean art developed, while others believe that it occurred as a result of Doric effects. During the Mycenaean age, pottery was very popular and it usually featured mythic, animal and warrior motifs. The vessels were heavily painted. Doric is a dialect that was spoken in ancient Greece. Architecturally it means a classical and simple style with rounded molding at the top of a column and fluted columns with no base.
Form Over Function
The geometric potter was less concerned with the form and function of the piece. His was focused on the decoration and the symmetry of the piece, as well as proportion and form. In addition, a new element of design came to be -- the double bilaterality of form, which means there is a separation between the back and the front sides of the piece. There was also an axis, both vertical and horizontal, which enabled the maintenance of symmetry and proportionality. The horizontal axis was mostly significant in relation to ornamentation, but the vertical axis was important in regard to the form of the pot.
