The decorations portrayed a variety of subject matter, including athletic competitions, musicians, warriors, sex scenes, and often the stories of the heroes, gods and goddesses.

A distinct aspect of ancient Greek pottery are two opposite forms of decoration – black-figure and red-figure painting.  

Black-figure was invented around 700 BC; after an ochre wash is applied to the surface of the pot it is polished, and an outline of the design is sketched and filled in with a black gloss, leaving a surrounding reddish background. 

A sharp tool is then used to incise through the black in order to define details and patterning.

In about 530 BC, the innovative new technique of red-figure painting was developed, which allowed greater freedom of design. After the pot is burnished, the areas of decoration are “reserved” by outlining in black gloss and then the entire background is also painted black. 

Decorative details and features are then painted in, also using the black.

The red-figured oil bottle pictured shows the Trojan prince Paris, asked to judge which of the three goddesses, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite, was most beautiful.  

Athena, on the left, is shown with helmet, shield and spear. Beside her sits Paris. In the centre is the winged goddess of victory, Nike, who will award the golden apple to the winner.  

Hera is seated on a throne, and Aphrodite is on the other side (not shown).

The British Museum’s exhibition The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece is in its final days.  

Visit before it closes on November 9; tickets and details are available at www.bodybeautifulbendigo.com