🏺Greek Art and Architecture – 500 to 320 BC Unit 2 – Classical Greek Art: Rise and Influence

Key Concepts and Timeline

• Classical period of ancient Greek art and architecture spanned from around 480 BC to 323 BC
• Marked by a shift towards naturalism and idealized realism in sculpture and architecture
• Key events include the Persian Wars (490-479 BC) and the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC)
• The Parthenon, a quintessential example of Classical Greek architecture, was built between 447-432 BC
• Polykleitos, a renowned sculptor, developed the canon of proportions for the idealized human form around 450-440 BC
• The Athenian Acropolis underwent significant rebuilding and expansion during the Classical period under the leadership of Pericles
• The Late Classical period (400-323 BC) saw a gradual shift towards more emotional and dynamic sculptures
• Alexander the Great's conquests (336-323 BC) marked the end of the Classical period and the beginning of the Hellenistic era

Cultural Context and Historical Background

• Classical Greek art and architecture flourished in the aftermath of the Persian Wars, as the Greek city-states, particularly Athens, experienced a period of prosperity and cultural growth
• The democratic system in Athens fostered a sense of civic pride and encouraged public art and architecture
• The Greeks believed in the ideal of "kalos kagathos," which emphasized the importance of physical beauty and moral goodness
• The concept of "mimesis," or the imitation of nature, became a central tenet of Classical Greek art
• The Greeks sought to create a harmonious balance between the human and the divine in their art and architecture
• The philosophical ideas of Plato and Aristotle, particularly regarding beauty and proportion, influenced the development of Classical Greek art
• The patronage of wealthy individuals and the state played a significant role in the production of art and architecture

Major Artists and Sculptors

• Phidias (c. 480-430 BC) was the chief sculptor of the Parthenon and created the colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statues of Athena Parthenos and Zeus at Olympia
• Polykleitos (c. 450-420 BC) developed the canon of proportions for the idealized human form and created the Doryphoros (Spear Bearer), which exemplified his principles
• Myron (c. 480-440 BC) was known for his dynamic bronze sculptures, such as the Discobolus (Discus Thrower)
• Praxiteles (c. 395-330 BC) introduced a more sensual and graceful style in his sculptures, as seen in his Aphrodite of Knidos
• Scopas (c. 395-350 BC) was a Late Classical sculptor known for his emotional and expressive figures, such as the Maenad
• Lysippos (c. 370-300 BC) was the court sculptor of Alexander the Great and created more naturalistic and slender figures, such as the Apoxyomenos (Scraper)

Iconic Works and Masterpieces

• The Parthenon (447-432 BC) is the most famous example of Classical Greek architecture, featuring a harmonious balance of Doric and Ionic elements
  • The Parthenon Frieze depicts the Panathenaic procession and is considered a masterpiece of Classical sculpture
• The Erechtheion (421-406 BC) is another notable temple on the Athenian Acropolis, featuring the famous Caryatid porch
• The Temple of Athena Nike (427-424 BC) is a small but elegant Ionic temple on the Acropolis
• The Riace Bronzes (c. 460-430 BC) are two outstanding examples of Classical bronze sculpture, depicting idealized male figures
• The Grave Stele of Hegeso (c. 410-400 BC) is a beautiful example of Classical funerary art, showcasing the skill and emotion of the period
• The Winged Victory of Samothrace (c. 200-190 BC) is a Hellenistic sculpture that captures the dynamic movement and drapery characteristic of the Late Classical period

Artistic Techniques and Materials

• Marble was the primary material used for sculpture during the Classical period, with the finest examples coming from the quarries of Mount Pentelicus near Athens
• Bronze was also widely used for sculpture, particularly for smaller-scale works and those requiring more dynamic poses
• The lost-wax casting technique was used to create bronze sculptures, allowing for greater detail and complexity
• Chryselephantine sculpture, which combined gold and ivory, was reserved for the most important cult statues, such as Phidias' Athena Parthenos
• Encaustic painting, which involved using heated beeswax mixed with pigments, was used for panel paintings and decorative elements
• The Classical period saw the development of contrapposto, a pose in which the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a more naturalistic and dynamic stance
  • Contrapposto allowed sculptors to create figures that appeared more lifelike and in motion
• The use of drapery became more refined during the Classical period, with artists skillfully depicting the folds and textures of clothing

Stylistic Evolution and Innovations

• The Early Classical period (480-450 BC) marked a transition from the Archaic style, with sculptures displaying a more naturalistic rendering of the human form and a greater sense of movement
• The High Classical period (450-400 BC) saw the perfection of the idealized human form, as exemplified by the sculptures of Polykleitos and Phidias
  • Sculptures from this period exhibited a harmonious balance of proportions and a serene, idealized beauty
• The Late Classical period (400-323 BC) introduced more emotional and dynamic elements into sculpture, as seen in the works of Scopas and Praxiteles
  • Late Classical sculptures often depicted more complex poses and facial expressions, conveying a sense of inner turmoil or passion
• The Classical period also saw innovations in architectural design, such as the refinement of the Doric and Ionic orders and the introduction of the Corinthian order
• The use of optical refinements, such as entasis (the slight swelling of columns) and curvature of horizontal lines, created a sense of harmony and counteracted visual distortions in architecture

Symbolism and Mythology in Art

• Greek art and architecture were deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and mythological narratives
• Sculptures of gods and goddesses were created to embody their attributes and powers, such as Athena's wisdom and military prowess or Aphrodite's beauty and sensuality
• Mythological scenes were often depicted in architectural sculpture, such as the Parthenon's metopes and pediments, which showcased the battles between the Greeks and the Amazons and the birth of Athena
• The Panathenaic Frieze on the Parthenon depicted the procession held in honor of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, symbolizing the city's devotion and gratitude
• The use of symbolic animals, such as the owl for Athena or the eagle for Zeus, served as visual shorthand for the deities and their attributes
• The depiction of heroes, such as Heracles and Theseus, in sculpture and painting served as moral exemplars and embodied the Greek ideals of strength, courage, and virtue

Impact on Later Art Movements

• The Classical style of Greek art and architecture had a profound influence on the art of ancient Rome, which adopted and adapted many of its principles and motifs
  • Roman sculptures, such as the Augustus of Prima Porta, drew heavily from Greek models and techniques
• The rediscovery of Classical art during the Renaissance led to a renewed interest in the ideals of beauty, proportion, and harmony
  • Artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael studied and emulated the works of ancient Greek sculptors and architects
• Neoclassicism, an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-18th century, sought to revive the principles and aesthetics of Classical art
  • Neoclassical artists, such as Antonio Canova and Jacques-Louis David, created works that celebrated the ideals of reason, order, and moral virtue
• The influence of Classical Greek art can be seen in various modern art movements, such as Art Deco, which drew inspiration from the geometric patterns and stylized figures of ancient art
• Contemporary artists continue to engage with the legacy of Classical Greek art, either through direct references or by exploring themes of beauty, idealism, and the human form in their work