1. Literary Descriptions: Greek writers like Pausanias and Pliny the Elder described the paintings they saw in temples, houses, and public buildings. These descriptions give us clues about the subjects, styles, and techniques used.
2. Copies and Imitations: Roman artists created copies and imitations of Greek wall paintings, often on a smaller scale. These copies, while not original, give us a visual representation of the compositions, colors, and techniques used by the Greeks.
3. Archaeological Evidence: Excavations have uncovered fragments of wall paintings, sometimes with traces of color and paint layers. This provides tangible evidence of how the paintings were constructed and executed.
4. Vases and Other Artifacts: Greek vase painting, especially the "red-figure" style, often features scenes that were likely inspired by wall paintings. This gives us an idea of the themes, compositions, and artistic styles employed in wall paintings.
5. Reconstruction and Scientific Analysis: By combining these sources, scholars can reconstruct how Greek wall paintings might have looked. They use techniques like spectrographic analysis to determine the original colors of the paintings and study the techniques used by the artists.
6. Modern Artist Reconstructions: Based on the available evidence, modern artists have created their own interpretations of Greek wall paintings, giving us a visual representation of what these lost masterpieces might have looked like.
While we cannot see the originals, the combination of these sources provides a fascinating window into the lost world of Greek wall painting. It allows us to appreciate the artistry, technical skill, and the themes that likely resonated with the people who lived in ancient Greece.