The Geometric Period: 900 - 700 B.C.

1.During the beginning of this time a series of invasions took place and, as a result, there was a decline in the arts.
2. Around 800 B.C. Greek civilization began to recover. Trade is renewed, prosperity grows, and confidence within the Greek civilization is gradually restored.
3.The period gets its name from the pieces of pottery heavily decorated with geometric designs common to this era.
4.The concept of a “hidden structure” begins at this time. This is based on the idea that visual relationships are created based on human intelligence.
5. Similarly to in most Egyptian art, the representation of the human figure was stylized. In the Greek Geometric Period, the human form had been simplified to a combination of circles and triangles.

Characteristics

1.Popular shapes within pottery, primarily derived from Mycenaean designs:
amphora - used for storage
krater - used for mixing wine and water
oinochoe - used for pouring/ serving
2. Human figures were much less popular than decorative motifs. If they were used together, the decorative geometric motif would be dominant. Although, this was the period that marked the return of the human figure to art.
3. A faster, more efficient, potter’s wheel is now being used by artists of the time.