... interpret Classical art, it is therefore prudent to gain some knowledge of what Archaic art was and what service it performed. Much of the decoration of Archaic vases and pottery involves favourite Greek heroes, vigorous battle scenes, horseman, chariots and mythological scenes. Much of the decoration is in black-figure, with incision and engraving providing an intricate part of the design. These artworks were heavily exported, turning centres for pottery production such as Corinth into massive economical centres. They are a prevalent part of each Greek person's life. Pre-Archaic art and the continuance of the most part of its style through the Archaic period gives us much insight into the Greek sense of proportion. As with the way that they built their structures and temples, the figures are geometrically sound, but this in itself makes them unlifelike and not a 'natural' representation. The Archaic period shows 'naturalism' creeping into Greek art, ...

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