WE'RE OPEN IN-PERSON, GRAB & GO, ONLINE!
Books & eMedia
Get Started
Search the Catalog Toledo Library App (Apple) Toledo Library App (Google Play)Can't Find It?
Local Author Submission Suggest a PurchaseeMedia Providers
Explore all eMedia Providers Bookflix Flipster Freegal hoopla OverDrive/Libby RBdigital ScienceFlix World Book eBooksMore Materials
Book Bundles Grab & Go Pick Up Get Book and Movie Picks 101 Picture Book Challenge Book & Movie Lists Book Kit Request Book Sales and Materials DonationsLocations
Locations
All Locations Birmingham Heatherdowns Holland Kent King Road Lagrange LockePrograms
Programs by Age
Youth (0-17) Young Children (0-5) Kids (6-10) Teens (11-17) Adults (18+) View Full CalendarOngoing Programs
Activities to Go Authors! Countdown to Kindergarten Saturday Morning with the Library Virtual Book Groups Virtual StorytimesTrending Now
Black Lives Matter Book Group StoryWalk® Winter ReadServices
Career & Economic Success
Business Support Computer and Technology Help Grant & Nonprofit Support Job Search AssistanceCreating & Making
Making at the Library TelescopesLocal History & Genealogy
Local History Resources Digital Collections & ExhibitsSupport
Donate Friends of the Library Library Legacy Foundation Literati VolunteerPREK-12 HELP
Get Books
Book Bundles for Everyone Book Kit Request Student Library CardsGet Recommendations
Topics by Grade Level Personalized Recommendations Book Lists by Email Accelerated Reader Search CatalogServices and Programs
Explore All Services and Programs Virtual Class Visits Online Storytimes and Programs Test ProctoringPreschool
Ready to Read Countdown to Kindergarten Childcare Kit Delivery 101 Picture Book ChallengeQuick Links
Scholastic Teachables Tutor.comResearch
Education Research Tools
Career, College & Test Prep Education & Homework HelpResearch by Category
Books & Reading Biography & Genealogy Business & Investments Consumer & Automotive Create, Learn & Make eMedia History, Law & Culture Magazines & Newspapers Science, Technology & Health Toledo & OhioNews
Library Information
About Us Construction Holiday & Saturday Hours Leadership Policies ReportsWhat's New?
COVID Safety Employment Opportunities Latest Blog PostsConnect with Us
Ask A Librarian/Contact Us Doing Business with the Library Stay ConnectedLibrary Love
Share your Library Love Read Other's StoriesMy Card
WE'RE OPEN IN-PERSON, GRAB & GO, ONLINE!
Blog
The Blog of Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Looking at Art: A Story in the Round
Posted over 3 years ago by Clare T
The Berlin Painter exhibit, presented by the Toledo Museum of Art, is a rare event (going on now through October 1, 2017). An assemblage of pottery from The British Museum; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; J. Paul Getty Museum; Vatican Museums; Musée du Louvre; and the Antikensammlung, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - it's safe to say we're incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to check it out. The Berlin Painter is an anonymous artist whose name reflects the best painted pottery created in Ancient Greece. Today, many of his vessels are held in the Berlin Museum. It is a special display of orange and black ancient pottery. |
I visit the Berlin Painter exhibit to see it is an arrangement of orange and black clay pots, twenty-five hundred years old. I’m not an expert, but from the viewpoint of a Librarian, I think this exhibit is incredible. The themes drawn on Greek pottery give us a full spectrum of Greek life ranging from raucous and bold, to delightful. Even today, most people would be intrigued with the subject matter: Greek gods adorned with warrior shields and helmets, warfare in action, athleticism, totem animals and Greek costume. As I examine the exhibit, I see there were numerous animals, some recognizable, some not! Children can be urged to begin a basic lesson in “visual literacy” by looking for many identifiable animals. Challenge your children to go on an “animal scavenger hunt,” looking specifically for a bull, eagle, fawn, goat, hare, horse, lion, Maltese dog, owl, rooster or snake. The strongest imagery has to do with Greek mythology. I see a Greek god, probably Hermes, wearing a feathered helmet. Zeus is very masculine with his elaborate robe, beard and thunderbolt. Figures like these offer great inspiration for myths and storytelling. I am reminded to pick up a Teen edition of Rick Riordan’s, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Riordan’s modern-day stories ride on Greek mythology and are loved by even the most reluctant reader. |
![]() Then, contrary to the “action” scenes, are beautiful maidens or “classic” beauties. They are adorned with long drapery, somewhat gathered about the waist and pinned over the shoulders. Fashion experts will tell you that this “peplos” is different from a “chiton,” and different from a “himation.” None of these classic fashions are what we commonly call a “toga.” Let’s reserve that popular formal wear for the male citizens of Rome and actor John Belushi ("Animal House," 1978). And finally, the symposiums! Looking for intellectual conversation? A symposium was a convivial meeting, usually following a dinner. At every one of these events, a giant vessel known as “krater” was used to hold the water mixed with wine. Mixing the liquids proved useful as a scientific method of purifying the water. I did a little investigation to find that wine was seen as a way to purify and improve the taste of the (often stagnant) water source. Essentially, a symposium was considered an all-male drinking party. Seek out the giant krater that is on display (for viewing)! Many art historians report that the vast majority of Greek vases were actually meant for everyday use. The Berlin Painter was a master craftsman. His human figures are elegant, perfectly executed. Take time to appreciate this rare and unique exhibition. There’s a story behind every artwork. |
Note: Greek pottery has been a subject for poets and artists throughout the ages. I would be remiss without mentioning that writer John Keats summed up this scenario with much more complexity, with his lyric poem, "Ode on a Grecian Urn." Another tribute to Greek creativity was matron-actor Hermoine Gingold, who staged a human sculpture in "The Music Man" (1962), “Ladies, one Grecian Urn, two Grecian urns…” |
Berlin Painter: Recommended Reading for Children and Teens
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Berlin Painter: Recommended Reading for Adults
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Find out more exciting facts about Greek Pottery
The Berlin Painter and His World - Toledo Museum of Art
Greek Pottery - Ancient History Encyclopedia
The Apparel of Ancient Greece - The Met
Why did the Ancient Greeks and Romans Mix Water and Wine? - Wine Spectator
Recent Stories
- Great Ideas for Teachers and Parents: Resources for Teaching Grades K-8
- Best Books for Third Grade Readers
- Biographies for High School Students
- Homeschooling Resources for Grades PreK-12
- Award-Winning Books 2020
- Biographies for Grades PreK-3
- Unplugged Play resources for Grades PreK-5
- My Life in Black Music
- Need some comic books and graphic novels to read during Black History Month? The library has you covered.
- Love You, Hate Your Politics
Categories
- 101 Picture Book Challenge (53)
- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies (1)
- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies (78)
- Biographies (1)
- Business and Investing (36)
- Children and Parenting (213)
- Computers and Technology (17)
- Cooking, Home and Garden (79)
- Coronavirus (35)
- Culture and Diversity (57)
- eBooks and Audiobooks (1)
- eBooks and Audiobooks (392)
- eMedia (46)
- Fiction (220)
- Health and Wellness (60)
- History and Politics (1)
- History and Politics (158)
- Library News (63)
- Local History (56)
- Movies and Music (1)
- Movies and Music (149)
- Mysteries and Thrillers (79)
- Nature and Travel (79)
- New Books and Movies (84)
- Nonfiction (2)
- Nonfiction (206)
- PreK-12 Teaching and Learning (142)
- - Grade Levels (46)
- + Preschool/ Kindergarten (17)
- + Early Elementary (1-3) (27)
- + Upper Elementary (4-5) (14)
- + Middle School (6-8) (6)
- + High School: (9-12) (10)
- - Subject Areas (37)
- Read-Watch-Do (10)
- Research and Resources (66)
- Romance (42)
- Science Fiction and Fantasy (74)
- Teaching & Engagement Ideas (1)
- Tech Tools and Making (13)
- Teen and Pre-Teens (85)
- Writing and Publishing (29)
Related Content
101 Picture Book Challenge
Printable list not available on the web. Sign up online or pick up a challenge book at any Library location!