🏛️Arts of Classical Greece Unit 12 – Course Review and Synthesis

Key Concepts and Themes

• Idealization and naturalism in Greek art aimed to capture the essence and beauty of the human form
  • Sculptures like the Doryphoros (Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos exemplified the ideal proportions and balance
  • Contrapposto stance introduced a more natural, relaxed pose in sculptures
• Architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) defined the style and proportions of temples and public buildings
  • Doric order characterized by simple, sturdy columns with no base and plain capitals
  • Ionic order featured more slender columns with scroll-like capitals and a base
  • Corinthian order, the most ornate, had tall columns with elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves
• Mythological themes and religious iconography played a central role in Greek art
  • Gods, goddesses, and heroes like Zeus, Athena, and Heracles were frequently depicted in sculptures, reliefs, and pottery
• Symmetria, the harmonious balance and proportion of parts, was a guiding principle in Greek art and architecture
• The development of the Greek theater influenced the design of theaters and the representation of dramatic themes in art
  • Tragic and comic masks became symbols of the theater and were often depicted in sculptures and reliefs

Historical Context and Timeline

• The Classical period of ancient Greece, spanning from the 5th to the 4th centuries BCE, marked the height of artistic achievement
  • Early Classical period (480-450 BCE) saw the emergence of the severe style, characterized by a more naturalistic approach
  • High Classical period (450-400 BCE) represented the pinnacle of artistic refinement and idealization
  • Late Classical period (400-323 BCE) introduced more emotional expression and individualization in art
• The Persian Wars (499-449 BCE) and the subsequent Athenian Golden Age under Pericles greatly influenced the development of art and architecture
  • Rebuilding of the Acropolis and the construction of the Parthenon in Athens showcased the grandeur of Classical Greek architecture
• The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta had a significant impact on the artistic landscape
  • Shift towards more emotional and dramatic themes in art, reflecting the turmoil of the time
• The conquests of Alexander the Great (336-323 BCE) led to the spread of Greek culture and art throughout the Mediterranean world
  • Hellenistic period (323-31 BCE) saw the fusion of Greek and local artistic traditions in the conquered territories

Major Artistic Periods

• Archaic period (c. 800-480 BCE) laid the foundation for the development of Classical Greek art
  • Characterized by stylized, geometric forms and the emergence of monumental sculpture
  • Kouroi (male) and korai (female) statues were prominent, depicting idealized, youthful figures with archaic smiles
• Early Classical period (480-450 BCE) marked a transition towards greater naturalism and the abandonment of the archaic smile
  • Severe style sculptures like the Kritios Boy showcased a more realistic rendering of the human form
• High Classical period (450-400 BCE) represented the pinnacle of artistic achievement, with a focus on idealization and harmony
  • Parthenon sculptures, including the Pediments and the Frieze, exemplified the refined style of the period
  • Sculptors like Phidias, Myron, and Polykleitos created masterpieces that set the standard for Classical art
• Late Classical period (400-323 BCE) introduced more emotional expression, individualization, and a departure from strict idealism
  • Sculptures like the Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles and the Hermes and Dionysus by Lysippos showcased a softer, more sensual approach
  • Increased interest in portraiture and the representation of real individuals, such as philosophers and statesmen

Influential Artists and Works

• Phidias (c. 480-430 BCE), the most renowned sculptor of the Classical period
  • Created the colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statues of Athena Parthenos and Zeus at Olympia
  • Oversaw the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, including the Pediments and the Frieze
• Myron (c. 480-440 BCE), known for his dynamic and lifelike sculptures
  • Famous for the Discobolus (Discus Thrower), capturing the athlete in a moment of intense action
• Polykleitos (c. 450-420 BCE), master of the idealized male form and the contrapposto stance
  • Created the Doryphoros (Spear Bearer), which exemplified the perfect proportions and balance of the male body
  • Wrote the Canon, a treatise on the ideal proportions of the human figure
• Praxiteles (c. 395-330 BCE), renowned for his graceful and sensual sculptures
  • Carved the Aphrodite of Knidos, one of the first monumental female nudes in Greek art
  • Known for his delicate and expressive style, as seen in works like the Hermes and Dionysus
• Lysippos (c. 370-300 BCE), the most influential sculptor of the Late Classical period
  • Introduced a more slender and elongated canon of proportions, as seen in his Apoxyomenos (Scraper)
  • Served as the court sculptor of Alexander the Great and created numerous portraits of the Macedonian king

Techniques and Materials

• Marble sculpture was the most prestigious form of art in Classical Greece
  • Pentelic and Parian marble were prized for their quality and were used in many famous sculptures and architectural elements
  • Sculptors used a variety of tools, including chisels, drills, and rasps, to carve and shape the marble
• Bronze casting using the lost-wax technique allowed for the creation of detailed and durable statues
  • Process involved creating a clay model, covering it in wax, encasing it in a mold, melting the wax, and pouring molten bronze into the mold
  • Bronze sculptures were often used for public monuments and as offerings in sanctuaries
• Chryselephantine sculpture, combining gold and ivory, was reserved for the most sacred and monumental statues
  • Wooden core was covered with thin sheets of ivory for the flesh and gold for the drapery, hair, and accessories
• Painting and polychromy were integral aspects of Greek sculpture and architecture
  • Sculptures were often painted in bright colors to enhance their realism and visual impact
  • Architectural elements, such as triglyphs and metopes, were also painted to highlight their decorative features
• Clay was used extensively in the production of pottery, terracotta figurines, and architectural decorations
  • Red-figure and black-figure techniques were used to create intricate scenes and designs on pottery vessels

Cultural and Social Significance

• Greek art and architecture were deeply intertwined with religion and civic life
  • Temples and sanctuaries were the focal points of religious ceremonies and festivals, showcasing the finest examples of art and architecture
  • Sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures served as objects of worship and as visual representations of divine power
• Public monuments and statues celebrated the achievements of individuals and the collective identity of the city-state
  • Victorious athletes were honored with statues in the Olympic sanctuary and their hometowns
  • Statesmen, philosophers, and poets were commemorated with portraits and inscriptions
• The Greek theater was a vital aspect of cultural life, with festivals like the City Dionysia in Athens attracting large audiences
  • Dramatic performances were staged in purpose-built theaters, such as the Theater of Dionysus in Athens
  • Masks, costumes, and stage sets were designed to enhance the visual impact of the performances
• Art and architecture were expressions of civic pride and competition among city-states
  • Panhellenic sanctuaries like Olympia and Delphi were arenas for artistic and athletic rivalries
  • Cities vied with each other to erect the most impressive temples, statues, and public buildings

Legacy and Influence

• Classical Greek art and architecture set the standard for beauty, proportion, and harmony in Western art
  • Roman art and architecture heavily drew upon Greek models, spreading the influence throughout the Mediterranean world
  • Renaissance artists and architects rediscovered and revived the principles of Classical Greek art, leading to a renewed interest in the classical ideal
• The idealization of the human form in Greek sculpture had a lasting impact on the representation of the body in Western art
  • Contrapposto stance and the canon of proportions established by Polykleitos influenced artists for centuries
  • Neoclassical artists in the 18th and 19th centuries looked to Greek sculptures as the epitome of beauty and perfection
• Greek architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) have been adapted and incorporated into buildings throughout history
  • Roman temples, Renaissance palaces, and modern government buildings have all employed elements of Greek architecture
• The cultural significance of Greek art and architecture has made them enduring symbols of Western civilization
  • Museums around the world, such as the British Museum and the Louvre, display and preserve masterpieces of Greek art
  • The Parthenon and other ancient Greek monuments continue to inspire and attract visitors from all over the globe

Key Debates and Interpretations

• The question of originality versus copying in Greek art has been a subject of scholarly debate
  • Some argue that Greek artists were primarily concerned with achieving the ideal form through copying and refining earlier models
  • Others emphasize the innovative and creative aspects of Greek art, highlighting the individual styles of prominent artists
• The role of the artist in ancient Greek society has been a topic of discussion
  • While some artists, like Phidias and Polykleitos, were celebrated for their skill and achievements, the social status of artists in general remains unclear
  • Debates center around the extent to which artists were considered craftsmen or intellectuals, and how their work was valued in society
• The interpretation of the Parthenon sculptures, particularly the Frieze, has generated much scholarly interest
  • Different theories have been proposed regarding the meaning and narrative of the Frieze, with some suggesting it depicts the Panathenaic procession or mythological scenes
  • The removal of the Parthenon Marbles by Lord Elgin and their display in the British Museum has sparked ongoing debates about cultural heritage and repatriation
• The relationship between Greek art and the art of other ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and the Near East, has been a subject of comparative studies
  • Scholars have examined the influence of these cultures on the development of Greek art, as well as the ways in which Greek artists adapted and transformed foreign elements
• The use of color in ancient Greek art and architecture has been a topic of recent research and re-evaluation
  • New evidence suggests that Greek sculptures and buildings were often brightly painted, challenging the long-held notion of pure white marble as the classical ideal
  • This has led to a reassessment of how color was used and perceived in ancient Greek art, and its impact on our understanding of the classical aesthetic