9.3 Portraiture and the emergence of individualism in sculpture

Greek sculptors in the Late Classical period began creating more realistic portraits. They captured unique facial features and personalities, aiming to depict subjects accurately. This shift reflected the growing emphasis on individualism in Greek society.

Portraiture became a way to celebrate and commemorate individuals. Wealthy patrons commissioned sculptures to assert their status and legacy. Artists like Lysippos set new standards, creating dynamic portraits that conveyed both physical likeness and inner character.

Portraiture and Realism

Emergence of Portraiture in Sculpture

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• Portraiture became a significant genre in Greek sculpture during the Late Classical period (400-323 BCE)
• Artists began to create more realistic and individualized representations of their subjects
  • Captured unique facial features, expressions, and personalities
• Realism in portraiture aimed to depict the subject's likeness accurately
  • Attention to details such as wrinkles, folds of skin, and hair texture
• Character depiction became an essential aspect of portraiture
  • Sculptors sought to convey the subject's inner qualities and emotional states
  • Achieved through subtle facial expressions and body language (slight smile, furrowed brow)

Physiognomy and Character Representation

• Physiognomy, the study of facial features and their relation to character, influenced portraiture
  • Belief that a person's appearance could reveal their inner nature and personality
• Sculptors used physiognomic principles to convey the subject's character through physical features
  • Strong jaw and prominent brow associated with masculinity and leadership
  • Soft, rounded features associated with youth and beauty
• Realistic portraiture combined with physiognomy allowed for a more nuanced representation of individuals
  • Captured both physical likeness and perceived character traits (wisdom, determination, kindness)

Individualism and Patronage

Rise of Individualism in Greek Society

• Late Classical period saw a shift towards individualism in Greek society
  • Increased emphasis on personal achievements, virtues, and uniqueness
• Portraiture became a means of celebrating and commemorating individuals
  • Allowed patrons to assert their status, power, and legacy
• Private commissions of portraits became more common
  • Wealthy individuals, rulers, and public figures sought to have their likenesses immortalized in sculpture
  • Portraits served as a form of self-representation and propaganda (Alexander the Great)

Psychological Insight in Portraiture

• Sculptors aimed to capture the inner lives and emotions of their subjects
  • Portrayed a range of psychological states and expressions (contemplation, sorrow, joy)
• Individualized portraits provided a glimpse into the subject's personality and state of mind
  • Viewers could connect with the portrayed individuals on a more personal level
• Psychological insight in portraiture added depth and complexity to the representation of individuals
  • Moved beyond mere physical likeness to convey the essence of the person

Historical Figures

Portraits of Alexander the Great

• Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) was a prominent subject of portraiture in the Late Classical period
  • Macedonian king and military leader who conquered vast territories
• Portraits of Alexander served to propagate his image and legacy throughout his empire
  • Depicted as a young, idealized hero with distinctive features (leonine hair, upward gaze)
• Lysippos, a renowned sculptor, created several portraits of Alexander
  • Captured his likeness and portrayed him as a dynamic, charismatic leader
  • Lysippos' portraits set the standard for subsequent representations of Alexander (coins, mosaics)
• Portraits of Alexander the Great exemplify the intersection of individualism, realism, and political propaganda in Late Classical sculpture
  • Celebrated his achievements, projected his power, and immortalized his image for centuries to come