July 8, 2025
On April 4th, the Rome (Italy) Society of the AIA hosted a Society Outreach Event in collaboration with the American Academy of Rome called “Hands-on Greek Vases.”
Valentina Follo, curator of the Van Buren Archaeological collection of the American Academy in Rome, provided a selection of original Greek vases from the collection. Ceramist Roberto Paolini (from Cerveteri), who specializes in faithful reproductions of Greek vases, explained and demonstrated the ancient techniques of Greek vase creation and decoration. He brought unfired vases, which he decorated on-site, alongside a stunning selection of his reproductions in both black- and red-figure styles.
The event kicked off with welcomes from the organizers: Professor Massimo Betello, secretary of the local AIA Rome SPQR society, and Professor Valentina Follo, curator of the Van Buren Archaeological Study Collection at the American Academy in Rome. They then introduced their special guest, ceramist Roberto Paolini from Cerveteri.
Paolini and Follo had their Greek vases set up in two distinct rooms. Each group of participants spent 40 minutes in one room before moving to the other. In one room, Paolini had brought an impressive collection from his workshop in Cerveteri: at least 20 reproductions of Greek vases, showcasing both black- and red-figure techniques. These pieces varied greatly in size, from large kraters to smaller skyphoi. He even included a life-size replica of the Euphronios krater, depicting the struggle between Hercules, Athena, and Cycnus. Participants were encouraged to pick up, touch, and really get a feel for these vases to grasp their physical presence—their weight, dimensions, and decorative nuances.
Paolini also came prepared with two unfired amphorae, along with his personal set of brushes and slips. He demonstrated painting techniques, notably how to achieve perfect circles with the precise handling of a single-hair brush, and how easy it was to correct mistakes on unfired vases.
In the other room, Professor Follo showcased a selection of original Greek vases from the American Academy in Rome’s Archaeological Study Collection. She provided insights into their function, craftsmanship, dating, and iconography. Written descriptions accompanied the vases for independent study, and under Professor Follo’s supervision, participants were also invited to hold, touch, and examine these pieces firsthand.
After, the 40 participants were treated to refreshments provided by the American Academy. Prof. Betello noted that the event “was a lovely chance for everyone to mingle and chat in a relaxed, convivial setting,” and both Curator Follo and ceramist Paolini have formally expressed their interest in replicating this activity in the future if possible!
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