shields is not designed, as in the painting of Exekias, to blend in with the contours
of the vase but is clearly a naturalistic effect for its own sake to create the illusion of
depth. The composition of the Niobid-painter, which lacks the concentration of a
single focal point, is more relaxed and casual as reflected in his chosen theme.
The relaxed poses of the four central figures are all quite different. The helmeted
and costumed figure at the top left in three-quarters view rests with his knee against
his shield. The full-frontal nude figure with a garland on his head stands at ease with
his weight on his right foot posed like a classical statue except that his head is in sharp
profile. The reclining figure at the bottom elegantly supports himself with one arm on
236 THE GREEKS
FIGURE 53 Niobid vase
Source:Louvre, Paris