3.1 The Severe Style and its characteristics
3 min read•august 5, 2024
The marks a turning point in Greek sculpture, bridging the Archaic and Classical periods. It brought greater and to figures, moving away from stylized forms and exaggerated expressions of earlier works.
Artists introduced techniques like and improved , creating more lifelike sculptures. This shift reflected changing social and political landscapes in Greece, setting the stage for the masterpieces of the .
Characteristics of the Severe Style
Artistic Qualities of the Severe Style
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- Severe Style represents a shift in Greek sculpture during the Early Classical period (480-450 BCE) marked by a move towards greater naturalism and emotional restraint compared to the earlier Archaic period
- Austerity in the Severe Style refers to a sober, serious quality in the facial expressions and poses of the figures, conveying a sense of dignity and solemnity ()
- Emotional restraint is evident in the calm, composed expressions of the figures, which lack the exaggerated Archaic smile of earlier sculptures, instead portraying a more introspective, thoughtful demeanor ()
- Naturalism in the Severe Style involves a closer observation and representation of human anatomy, proportions, and posture, resulting in more lifelike and believable figures compared to the stylized forms of the Archaic period
- Idealization persists in the Severe Style, with figures still portraying idealized, youthful, and athletically fit bodies, but with a greater sense of individuality and realism in the facial features and expressions ()
Artistic Techniques in the Severe Style
Advancements in Sculptural Techniques
- Contrapposto, or counterpose, is introduced in the Severe Style, where the figure stands with weight shifted onto one leg, creating a more naturalistic, asymmetrical stance and adding a sense of potential movement ( Boy)
- in the Severe Style becomes more naturalistic, with garments falling in softer, more fluid folds that suggest the underlying anatomy and movement of the body (Charioteer of )
- Anatomical accuracy improves significantly in the Severe Style, with sculptors paying closer attention to the musculature, bone structure, and proportions of the human body, resulting in more convincing and lifelike figures (Riace Warriors)
- Sculptors in the Severe Style begin to experiment with the representation of different ages, body types, and emotional states, moving beyond the uniform, idealized figures of the Archaic period
Materials and Production Methods
- techniques advance during the Severe Style, allowing for more complex, detailed, and larger-scale sculptures (Riace Warriors)
- continues to be used for sculptures in the Severe Style, with artists exploiting the translucency and luminosity of the material to create subtle effects of light and shadow on the surfaces of the figures (Kritios Boy)
- , combining gold and ivory, is used for monumental cult statues of deities, showcasing the wealth and skill of the city-states that commissioned them ( by Phidias, now lost)
Historical Context of the Severe Style
Transitional Period in Greek Art
- The Severe Style emerges as a transitional phase between the Archaic and Classical periods, reflecting the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of Greece in the early 5th century BCE
- The (499-449 BCE) and the Greek victory over the Persians had a profound impact on Greek art, fostering a sense of pride, confidence, and unity among the city-states
- The Severe Style coincides with the early stages of Athenian democracy and the rise of Athens as a cultural and political power, which influenced the development of a more humanistic and naturalistic approach to art
Evolving Artistic Conventions
- The Archaic smile, a stylized, upturned smile characteristic of Archaic sculptures, gradually disappears in the Severe Style, replaced by more subtle, naturalistic expressions that convey a range of emotions (Kritios Boy)
- The Severe Style marks a shift away from the rigid, formulaic poses of Archaic sculptures, towards more dynamic, asymmetrical compositions that suggest potential movement and interaction between figures (Tyrannicides by Kritios and Nesiotes, now lost)
- The Severe Style lays the foundation for the further development of naturalism, idealization, and emotional expression in the Classical period, paving the way for the masterpieces of High Classical art (Parthenon sculptures by Phidias)
Key Terms to Review (22)
Acropolis: An acropolis is a high, fortified area within a city, typically serving as a religious and cultural center. In ancient Greece, the most famous example is the Acropolis of Athens, which was home to important temples and structures that symbolized the city's power and religious devotion.
Anatomical accuracy: Anatomical accuracy refers to the precise representation of the human body in art, focusing on realistic proportions, structure, and movement. This concept became increasingly important in the context of ancient Greek sculpture and painting, as artists sought to depict the human form in a way that captured its natural beauty and physicality, leading to advancements in realism and expression.
Arete: Arete is a Greek term that embodies the concept of excellence and virtue, particularly in the context of human potential and moral character. It reflects the ideal of striving for the highest standards in all pursuits, whether in physical, intellectual, or moral endeavors. This pursuit of excellence was essential in various aspects of Greek life, including art and the role of artists within society.
Athena Parthenos: Athena Parthenos, meaning 'Athena the Virgin,' refers to the monumental statue of the goddess Athena that was housed in the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. This statue, created by the sculptor Pheidias, symbolizes the ideals of wisdom, warfare, and civilization, while also representing the cultural and political power of Athens during its Golden Age.
Bronze casting: Bronze casting is a metalworking technique used to create sculptures and objects by pouring molten bronze into a mold. This method became a prominent form of artistic expression in ancient Greece, allowing artists to achieve greater detail, durability, and lifelike representation in their works compared to stone carving.
Charioteer of Delphi: The Charioteer of Delphi is a famous ancient Greek bronze statue created around 470 B.C., representing a charioteer in a victorious pose after a race at the Pythian Games. This statue is significant as it reflects the transition to the Classical period, showcasing the Severe Style's emphasis on naturalism and idealized human forms, while also demonstrating advancements in bronze sculpture techniques and the importance of victory in ancient Greek culture.
Chryselephantine Sculpture: Chryselephantine sculpture refers to a type of ancient Greek statue made primarily of gold (chrysos) and ivory (elephantinos), often used for large cult images in temples. This technique was favored for its luxurious appearance and the way it mimicked the human form with a lifelike quality, becoming particularly popular during the Classical period. Chryselephantine works are significant as they showcase the technical skill and artistic ambition of Greek sculptors while also reflecting the wealth and religious devotion of the communities that commissioned them.
Classical Period: The Classical Period refers to a significant era in ancient Greek history, roughly spanning from 500 to 320 B.C., characterized by advancements in art, architecture, philosophy, and democracy. This era saw the emergence of naturalism and idealism in artistic expressions, reflecting the cultural values and achievements of ancient Greek society.
Contrapposto: Contrapposto is an Italian term used to describe a pose in sculpture and painting where a figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, causing the shoulders and arms to twist off-axis from the hips and legs. This technique creates a more dynamic and relaxed appearance, reflecting the shift towards naturalism in Classical Greek art.
Delphi: Delphi was an ancient Greek sanctuary that served as a major religious site, dedicated to the god Apollo. It was famed for its oracle, where priestesses known as Pythia would deliver cryptic prophecies, influencing decisions of city-states and individuals alike. The site was not just a religious hub but also a cultural center, embodying the ideals of the Severe Style in its art and architecture, particularly through the representations of human figures and their emotional expressions.
Drapery: Drapery refers to the representation of fabric and clothing in art, particularly how it folds and flows over the human form. It is essential in conveying movement, texture, and the weight of the material in sculptures and paintings. In ancient Greek art, advancements in drapery techniques not only enhanced the realism of figures but also contributed to the overall composition, demonstrating the skill of artists in portraying both human anatomy and the delicate interplay of light and shadow on fabric.
Emotional Restraint: Emotional restraint refers to the deliberate control or suppression of feelings, particularly in artistic expression. In the context of ancient Greek art, especially during the Severe Style, this concept emphasizes a balance between expressing human emotion and maintaining a sense of dignity and composure in representation. Artists focused on idealized forms and a sense of calm, reflecting the philosophical ideas of moderation and rationality prevalent at that time.
Hellenic Tradition: The Hellenic tradition refers to the cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece, particularly during the Classical period (5th to 4th centuries B.C.). This tradition is characterized by a focus on humanism, naturalism, and the pursuit of knowledge, shaping art, philosophy, and politics in ways that continue to influence Western civilization today. The emphasis on beauty, proportion, and balance in sculpture and architecture reflects a commitment to the ideals of the human experience.
Kritios: Kritios was an influential Greek sculptor active during the transition from the Archaic to the Classical period, around 480 B.C. He is best known for his pioneering work that exemplifies the Severe Style, marking a shift towards more naturalistic representations in sculpture. Kritios's works reflect an emphasis on human anatomy and realistic posture, moving away from the rigid and idealized forms characteristic of earlier Greek art.
Kritios Boy: The Kritios Boy is a significant ancient Greek statue created around 480 B.C., representing a youthful male figure in a relaxed stance that marks a transition toward the more naturalistic styles of the Classical period. This sculpture exemplifies the shift from the rigid poses characteristic of the Archaic period to a more fluid and lifelike representation, showcasing an early development of the Severe Style that reflects advancements in artistic techniques and cultural values of the time.
Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite or dolomite, widely used in ancient Greek sculpture and architecture due to its fine grain and ability to hold intricate details. Its aesthetic qualities and durability made it a preferred material for creating lifelike sculptures and magnificent structures.
Naturalism: Naturalism refers to the artistic approach in Ancient Greek art that aimed to depict subjects as they appear in nature, emphasizing realistic representation and detailed observation of the human form and environment. This movement marked a significant shift from earlier styles, fostering a deeper exploration of human anatomy, proportion, and movement, which resonated through various aspects of Greek art and sculpture.
Nees: Nees refers to a style of art and architecture that emerged in Ancient Greece during the transition from the Archaic period to the Classical period, characterized by an increase in realism and the depiction of naturalism. This term captures the essence of a pivotal shift in artistic techniques, emphasizing proportion, balance, and the representation of human emotion, which laid the groundwork for the development of the Severe Style.
Persian Wars: The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire that took place from 499 to 479 B.C. These wars were significant as they marked the rise of Athens and the emergence of a sense of shared Greek identity, setting the stage for the Classical period that followed. The events of the Persian Wars not only influenced Greek art and culture but also led to new artistic styles and techniques that reflected the changing political landscape.
Riace Warriors: The Riace Warriors are two ancient Greek bronze statues that date back to the 5th century B.C., specifically around 460-450 B.C. They are considered masterpieces of classical sculpture and exemplify significant advancements in the representation of the human form, showcasing naturalism and dynamic movement that reflect major artistic developments of the time.
Severe Style: The Severe Style refers to a period in ancient Greek art, particularly in sculpture, characterized by a shift towards more naturalistic and serious representations of the human form, emerging around 480 B.C. It marks a transition from the earlier Archaic style, emphasizing more realistic proportions, subtle facial expressions, and a sense of calmness and dignity in figures.
Symmetria: Symmetria is a concept in ancient Greek art and architecture that refers to the balanced proportions and harmonious relationships between the parts of a composition. It plays a crucial role in creating a sense of order, beauty, and aesthetic appeal in artworks and structures, emphasizing the importance of proportion in achieving visual coherence. This idea was particularly significant during the Severe Style, where artists began to move away from earlier, more rigid forms and embraced a more naturalistic approach to representation.