Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was an ancient Greek sculptor from the 5th century BCE, renowned for his contributions to classical sculpture, particularly the development of the idealized human form. He is best known for creating the 'Doryphoros' or 'Spear Bearer', which exemplifies his principles of proportion and symmetry, embodying the perfect male athlete. His work emphasized the importance of mathematical ratios in art, laying a foundation for subsequent generations of sculptors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos was active during the Classical period of Greek art, which emphasized realism and naturalism in sculpture.
2. His treatise 'Kanōn' laid out the principles of symmetry and proportion that he used in his sculptural works, influencing many later artists.
3. The Doryphoros was not only a masterpiece of sculpture but also served as a model for other artists to emulate the ideals of beauty and physical perfection.
4. Polykleitos often utilized contrapposto, a technique where a figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, creating a sense of dynamic movement.
5. Many of Polykleitos' works were cast in bronze, although most originals have not survived; instead, we know them through Roman marble copies.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos influence the representation of the human figure in ancient Greek art?
  • Polykleitos significantly influenced the representation of the human figure through his emphasis on idealized proportions and symmetry. By developing his 'Canon', he established guidelines that sculptors would follow to create more lifelike and harmonious figures. His work set a standard for beauty that many subsequent artists aspired to achieve, thereby shaping the trajectory of classical art.
• Discuss the significance of the Doryphoros in understanding Polykleitos' artistic philosophy.
  • The Doryphoros is central to understanding Polykleitos' artistic philosophy as it embodies his principles of proportion and harmony. This statue illustrates how Polykleitos applied his 'Canon' to create an idealized male form that balanced strength with grace. The statue's relaxed yet poised stance demonstrates Polykleitos' mastery of contrapposto and showcases his belief in achieving beauty through mathematical ratios.
• Evaluate how Polykleitos' approach to sculpture reflected broader trends in ancient Greek culture during his time.
  • Polykleitos' approach to sculpture reflected broader trends in ancient Greek culture that valued humanism, athleticism, and ideal beauty during the Classical period. His focus on anatomical precision and aesthetic harmony resonated with contemporary ideals emphasizing physical perfection as a reflection of moral and intellectual virtues. This perspective not only shaped artistic endeavors but also mirrored societal values that revered the human body as an embodiment of virtue and excellence.

Related terms

Doryphoros: A famous statue created by Polykleitos, representing a young athlete in a relaxed pose, showcasing ideal proportions and balance.

Canon: A set of rules or guidelines established by Polykleitos regarding the proportions of the human body in sculpture, often referred to as his 'Canon of Proportions'.

Chiaroscuro:

The technique of using strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.