The Red figure technique first comes into use c. 530 B.C. and soon (c. 500) becomes the dominant type, leading, c. 470 B.C., to the virtual disappearance of Black Figure.

The Red Figure technique reverses the procedure of Black Figure: images are traced in outline and the background filled in with black glaze. Details are then drawn in by the painter with a black or brownish glaze, much as in a modern painting or cartoon.

The real innovation made by red-figure artists was the "relief line".  This was applied using a special syringe-like instrument and was raised off the surface of the vase to emphasise the exterior shape of figures and their features. 

Red figure vases continue to be produced in Athens until about 320 B.C.   CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROCESS.

Red-figure vases we study in Year 13:

Euphronius, 510-500, calyx krater pp.39-41
Euthymides, 510-500, belly amphora pp.43-45
Makron, c.480-470, skyphos pp.47-48
Kleophrades Painter, c.490-480, hydria & pointed amphora pp.48-52
Berlin Painter, 500-480, volute krater & bell krater pp.54-58
Niobid Painter, c.470-450, calyx krater  pp.59-61
Meidias Painter, c.410-400, hydria pp.62-65