The style current in the last quarter of the 5th century and the first quarter of the 4th is conventionally called the 'Rich' (or 'Ornate') style. Relatively to Attic vase-painting in previous periods, it is heavily loaded with ornament. Multi-level compositions have now become much more frequent. And perspective shortening and figures in three-quarter profile or viewed frontally (not that these are common) no longer present any problem to the painter. There is use of chiaroscuro. Painters also try to improve the colour effectiveness of their pots by applied colour (white, yellow, purple, blue), and in some cases by gilding relief detail. Curves are used to outline dress folds. This gives a feeling of transparency, rather as with the parapets (thorakion) of the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis. The relaxed poses seem to follow models from the Parthenon pediments.

It is the Meidias Painter who is the most typical representative of the new trend. His figures are graceful; they are often posed as though dancing, with expressions that range from tenderness to melancholy. The atmosphere is low-key, avoiding drama - a long way from the Classical models of the previous generation. The clothing on this painter's pots is always very carefully drawn: it has patterns of plant motifs or stars. His compositions are well-balanced: they manage to give a 'lift' to the hydria and other kinds of pot awkward to decorate.

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