🏺Greek Art and Architecture – 500 to 320 BC Unit 15 – Classical Greek Art: Legacy and Impact

Key Concepts and Themes

• Idealized human form represents the Greek pursuit of perfection and harmony
• Balance and proportion in sculpture and architecture reflect the Greek ideal of symmetria
• Contrapposto stance introduces a sense of naturalism and movement in statuary
• Architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) establish a standardized system of design
• Mythological and historical themes dominate the subject matter of Greek art
• Artistic innovations include the introduction of the bronze casting technique and the development of red-figure pottery
• The Classical period marks a shift towards greater naturalism and emotional expression in art

Historical Context

• The Classical period (480-323 BCE) follows the Persian Wars and coincides with the rise of Athenian democracy
• Athens emerges as a cultural and political powerhouse during the 5th century BCE
• The Delian League, led by Athens, provides financial resources for artistic patronage
• The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta marks a turning point in Greek history
• The conquests of Alexander the Great (336-323 BCE) lead to the spread of Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world
• The Classical period ends with the death of Alexander and the beginning of the Hellenistic era

Major Artworks and Artists

• Parthenon (447-432 BCE) on the Athenian Acropolis, designed by Ictinus and Callicrates
  • Phidias oversees the sculptural program, including the Parthenon frieze and pediments
• Myron's Discobolus (c. 450 BCE) captures the moment of athletic action in bronze
• Polykleitos' Doryphoros (c. 440 BCE) embodies the Greek ideal of male beauty and proportion
  • Establishes the canon of proportions known as the "Polykleitan canon"
• Praxiteles' Aphrodite of Knidos (c. 350 BCE) introduces a new level of sensuality in female nude sculpture
• Lysippos' Apoxyomenos (c. 330 BCE) represents a more slender and elongated male figure
• Red-figure pottery reaches its peak with works by Euphronios and the Berlin Painter

Techniques and Materials

• Marble and bronze are the primary materials for sculpture
  • Marble allows for intricate carving and a translucent quality
  • Bronze enables the creation of more dynamic and freestanding figures
• Lost-wax casting technique is perfected during the Classical period
• Chryselephantine sculpture combines gold and ivory for a luxurious effect (Athena Parthenos)
• Encaustic painting involves using heated wax colors to create vivid and durable paintings
• Fresco and tempera are used for wall paintings and panel paintings, respectively
• Pottery techniques include black-figure and red-figure styles, with increasingly complex compositions and details

Stylistic Developments

• Early Classical period (480-450 BCE) marks a transition from Archaic to Classical style
  • Sculptures begin to exhibit a more naturalistic rendering of the human form
  • Drapery becomes more fluid and transparent, revealing the body beneath
• High Classical period (450-400 BCE) represents the peak of artistic achievement
  • Harmonious balance between idealism and naturalism
  • Mastery of contrapposto and the representation of movement
  • Emotional restraint and a sense of timelessness characterize the sculptures
• Late Classical period (400-323 BCE) introduces a greater sense of dynamism and emotion
  • More expressive facial features and body postures
  • Increased attention to the representation of individual character and psychology

Cultural Significance

• Greek art and architecture serve as a visual manifestation of Greek values and beliefs
• Sculptures in temples and public spaces celebrate the achievements of gods, heroes, and athletes
• The idealized human form in art reflects the Greek concept of arete (excellence) and the importance of physical and moral perfection
• Architectural monuments like the Parthenon symbolize the power and prestige of the city-state
• Art and architecture play a crucial role in religious rituals and civic life
  • Sculptural programs in temples tell stories of mythological and historical events
  • Theaters host performances of plays that explore moral and philosophical themes
• The patronage of art and architecture demonstrates the wealth and cultural sophistication of individuals and city-states

Influence on Later Art Movements

• The Classical style serves as a foundation for the development of Hellenistic art
  • Hellenistic artists build upon the innovations of the Classical period while introducing new elements of drama, emotion, and individualism
• Roman art and architecture heavily draw inspiration from Greek models
  • Romans copy and adapt Greek sculptures and architectural styles
  • The Classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) are incorporated into Roman building design
• The rediscovery of Classical art during the Renaissance leads to a renewed interest in Greek ideals
  • Artists like Michelangelo and Raphael study and emulate the proportions and techniques of Greek sculpture
  • Neoclassicism in the 18th and 19th centuries revives the aesthetic principles of balance, harmony, and restraint
• Modern art movements, such as Neoclassicism and Art Deco, continue to reference and reinterpret Classical forms and motifs

Modern Interpretations and Relevance

• Classical Greek art continues to shape our understanding of beauty, proportion, and artistic excellence
• The idealized human form in Greek sculpture influences modern conceptions of the "perfect" body
  • Fitness and bodybuilding culture often reference Greek athletic ideals
  • Fashion and advertising industries draw upon Classical notions of beauty and symmetry
• Greek mythological themes and narratives remain popular subjects in contemporary art and media
  • Modern artists reinterpret and subvert Classical iconography to address current social and political issues
  • Films, video games, and graphic novels adapt Greek myths and legends for new audiences
• The enduring legacy of Greek art testifies to its universal appeal and timeless qualities
  • Museums around the world showcase Greek sculptures and artifacts as masterpieces of human creativity
  • The study of Classical art continues to inspire and inform artists, scholars, and enthusiasts across disciplines