Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was an ancient Greek sculptor from the Classical period, known for his mastery in creating idealized human figures that combined realism with a sense of proportion and balance. His work emphasized the concept of symmetria, which focused on harmonious proportions in the human body, making him a pivotal figure in the development of classical sculpture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos is best known for his statue 'Doryphoros' (Spear Bearer), which exemplifies his principles of proportion and ideal beauty.
2. He developed a treatise known as the 'Canon', which outlined his theories on proportions and became influential in the study of art and aesthetics.
3. Polykleitos' work often depicted athletes and warriors, emphasizing physical perfection and strength.
4. His sculptures were characterized by a balanced and naturalistic portrayal of the human figure, which contrasted with earlier styles that were more rigid and less lifelike.
5. Polykleitos had a significant impact on later generations of artists, influencing Roman sculpture and the Renaissance revival of classical art.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos' concept of symmetria influence the representation of the human body in ancient Greek sculpture?
  • Polykleitos' concept of symmetria was crucial in shaping how sculptors represented the human body in ancient Greece. He emphasized harmonious proportions and balance, which led to more naturalistic figures that conveyed ideal beauty. This approach encouraged artists to focus on the mathematical ratios that defined the perfect human form, resulting in sculptures that appeared more lifelike and aesthetically pleasing compared to earlier styles.
• In what ways did Polykleitos' 'Canon of Proportions' affect subsequent artistic practices during and after his time?
  • Polykleitos' 'Canon of Proportions' had a lasting impact on artistic practices both during the Classical period and beyond. This treatise provided artists with guidelines for achieving ideal proportions, influencing not only Greek sculptors but also later Roman artists who sought to replicate Greek ideals. The principles laid out in the 'Canon' continued to inform Renaissance artists who were inspired by classical aesthetics, demonstrating its importance in the evolution of Western art.
• Evaluate how Polykleitos’ techniques reflected broader cultural values of ancient Greece regarding physical beauty and athleticism.
  • Polykleitos’ techniques reflected ancient Greece’s cultural values by emphasizing physical beauty, symmetry, and athleticism in his sculptures. The portrayal of idealized human forms symbolized the Greek appreciation for strength, health, and physical prowess, often linked to their ideals of virtue and excellence. This focus on the human figure not only celebrated athletic accomplishments but also reinforced societal values around beauty and perfection, illustrating how art served as a medium for expressing broader cultural ideals.

Related terms

Contrapposto: A sculptural technique where a figure is posed with weight distributed on one leg, creating a sense of movement and dynamism.

Canon of Proportions: A set of ideal mathematical ratios used by Polykleitos to define the perfect proportions of the human body in sculpture.

Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume and depth in sculpture and painting.