Smarthistory – Polychromy

Polychromy

The practice of painting or decorating in several colors; a term used mostly regarding sculpture, architectural decoration, ceramics, and various ancient artifacts. For the attribute describing the result of this process, use "polychrome."

Works of Art

House of Neptune and Amphitrite at Herculaneum

before 79 C.E.

Teaching guide: Saxman Totem Park and the New Deal in Alaska

originally carved in the 19th century, recarved c. 1940

first carved 1880s, recarved c. 1940

The Red Monastery, Sohag

c. 500 C.E.

Panjaranatha Mahakala

16th–17th century

Aquae Sulis, Bath, England

1st–5th century C.E.

Warrior Krater

c. 1200–1100 B.C.E.

Kritios Boy

c. 480–470 B.C.E.

Marble statue of a kouros (New York Kouros)

c. 590–580 B.C.E.

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Polychromy

Basics to get you started

Making a Spanish polychrome sculpture

Nasca ceramics, an introduction

The Medieval and Renaissance Altarpiece

Works of Art

House of Neptune and Amphitrite at Herculaneum