The cultural impact of antiquity, encompassing the art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome from 9 BC to 4 AD, reverberated strongly through subsequent generations. Ancient Greece, situated in the Mediterranean, served as the cradle of this ancient culture. It gave rise to the "Greek miracle," a monumental spiritual culture that has endured over millennia, retaining its profound influence and timeless allure.
Greek painting boasts a unique niche, particularly with depictions on vases. Amphorae and kraters stand out as the predominant vase types in this artistic tradition.

The ancient vases featured figures of people and animals painted using black varnish on the surface of burnt red clay. Detailed outlines were etched onto them with a needle, resulting in the depiction through thin red lines. These artifacts were referred to as black-figure vases.

Subsequently, ancient Greeks adopted a practice of depicting figures in red, with the spaces between them filled in with black paint. This technique enhanced the ease of rendering intricate details as they stood out against a red backdrop with defined black outlines. These vessels came to be known as red-figure vases.

Vases were adorned with plots inspired by various myths featuring gods and heroes, while depictions of festivities and sports adorned others. These paintings serve as a valuable window into the life of ancient Greeks, offering insights into their appearance, household items, and customs.
Regrettably, Hellenistic painting hasn't endured to the contemporary era. While Greek sculpture remains widely recognized, the absence of preserved paintings and portraits by Greek artists is conspicuous. Our knowledge of this art form relies solely on the accounts provided by historians and the Roman reproductions of select works.
Among the renowned painters in classical Greece during the 5th century were:

1. Apollodorus earned the moniker "skiograph," meaning "shadow painter," due to his pioneering work in transferring shadows and incorporating halftones. This innovation positioned him as a trailblazer in the realm of art, laying the groundwork for the emergence of illusionism;
2. Zeuxis of Heraclea, celebrated as a prominent follower of Apollodorus, gained renown for his distinctive approach to art. Unlike painting on walls, he was renowned for his expertise in creating artworks on easels.;
3. Agatharchos holds the distinction of being the pioneer among Greek painters to introduce graphic perspective into his artworks.;
4. Parrhasius gained renown primarily for his skill in creating drawings. Additionally, he portrayed Theseus within the Roman Capitol.;
5. Timarete, a preeminent Greek female artist, chose art over conventional household duties. She gained renown for her celebrated panel portraying the goddess Diana in Ephesus.
The zenith of ancient Greek painting unfolded during the Late Classic period. This era coincided with the flourishing Macedonian Empire, led by the formidable Alexander the Great. Meanwhile, Athens maintained its esteemed position as the predominant cultural hub of the Ancient World.
6. Apelles of Kos served as the designated artist for both Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great. Widely regarded as the most skilled and impactful artist of his era, Apelles held the unique privilege of being the sole artist permitted by the two emperors to craft their portraits. His acclaim stemmed from his innovative approaches to coloring techniques, as well as his pioneering use of shading and highlighting during that time.
Among the notable artists in Ancient Greece were:
7. Antifil demonstrated proficiency in capturing both light and shadow in his work. His expertise lay in creating noteworthy caricatures, showcasing a remarkable skill in this artistic niche;
8. Protogenes gained renown for his exceptional focus on intricate details as an artist;
9. Euphranor of Corinth stands as the solitary Classical Greek artist to achieve success in both the realms of painting and sculpture.;
10. Androkid of Cyzicus specialized in portraying historical events, with a focus on the Battle of Plataea, showcasing his talent as a painter..