1.4 Major influences on Greek artistic development

Greek art was shaped by diverse influences. Egyptian and Near Eastern traditions inspired early Greek sculptures and architecture. Artists adapted foreign elements, creating unique Greek styles in sculpture, pottery, and temple design.

Patronage played a crucial role in Greek artistic development. Wealthy individuals and city-states commissioned public works, while religious sanctuaries became centers for artistic offerings. Funerary art evolved, reflecting changing social values and attitudes towards death.

Influences on Greek Art

Egyptian and Near Eastern Inspirations

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• Kouroi and korai sculptures of Archaic Greek art show clear influences from Egyptian statuary in rigid, frontal poses and stylized features
• Near Eastern artistic traditions influenced Greek vase painting techniques and decorative motifs in early Greek art
• Monumental stone temple architecture in Greece drew inspiration from Egyptian religious structures in scale and use of columns
• Greek artists adapted and transformed foreign artistic elements (sphinx, mythological creatures) from Egyptian and Near Eastern iconography
• Concept of the hero in Greek art and literature partially inspired by Near Eastern epic traditions (Epic of Gilgamesh)
• Greek metalworking techniques display influences from Near Eastern craftsmen in intricate filigree and granulation work

Artistic Adaptations and Transformations

• Greek artists modified Egyptian and Near Eastern elements to suit their own aesthetic preferences and cultural values
• Incorporation of foreign artistic motifs led to the development of unique Greek artistic styles and iconography
• Adaptation of Near Eastern decorative patterns enriched Greek ornamental designs in architecture and pottery
• Greek sculptors evolved from the rigid poses of Egyptian statuary to more naturalistic and dynamic representations of the human form
• Transformation of Near Eastern mythological creatures resulted in distinctly Greek interpretations (Minotaur, Chimera)
• Greek architects adapted and refined Egyptian columnar systems to create the distinctive Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders

Patronage and Public Commissions in Greek Art

Aristocratic and Civic Patronage

• Wealthy aristocrats and tyrants in Greek city-states commissioned artworks as displays of power and prestige, influencing artistic themes and styles
• Public buildings and spaces (temples, agoras) served as major sources of artistic commissions, shaping monumental architecture and sculpture
• Religious sanctuaries (Delphi, Olympia) became important centers for artistic patronage through elaborate votive offerings
• Athenian democracy's practice of liturgy, where wealthy citizens funded public works, impacted the scale and quality of artistic productions
• Competitions and festivals (Panathenaic Games) stimulated artistic production through commissions for prizes and commemorative works
• Hellenistic kings and wealthy individuals in the post-Alexander era patronized new artistic developments (individualistic and realistic portraiture)

Funerary Art and Commemoration

• Public funerary monuments, particularly in Athens, became an important form of artistic expression
• Grave stelae evolved from simple markers to elaborate relief sculptures depicting the deceased
• Funerary art reflected social values, artistic trends, and changing attitudes towards death and commemoration
• Luxury grave goods (painted vases, jewelry) provided opportunities for artistic innovation and craftsmanship
• Monumental tomb structures (Mausoleum at Halicarnassus) showcased architectural and sculptural achievements
• Funerary portraits in the Hellenistic period marked a shift towards more individualized representations

Philosophical Influences on Greek Art

Aesthetic Theories and Artistic Principles

• Concept of mimesis, or imitation of nature, as discussed by philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) profoundly influenced Greek artistic representation and theory
• Pythagorean ideas about mathematical harmony and proportion informed Greek architectural design (temple construction, classical orders)
• Philosophical emphasis on the ideal form, especially in Platonic thought, influenced the development of idealized human figures in Greek sculpture
• Concept of techne, encompassing both art and craft, influenced the Greek approach to artistic skill and creation
• Philosophical debates about the nature of beauty and the role of art in society shaped artistic production and the social status of artists

Scientific Advancements and Artistic Techniques

• Scientific advancements in anatomy and the study of human proportions led to more naturalistic representations of the human body
• Development of linear perspective in Greek painting influenced by contemporary mathematical and optical theories
• Polykleitos' Canon exemplified the application of mathematical proportions to achieve ideal human form in sculpture
• Developments in metallurgy and materials science enabled new artistic techniques (chryselephantine sculpture)
• Advancements in engineering and construction techniques allowed for more ambitious architectural projects (Parthenon, Theater of Epidaurus)

Competition and Innovation in Greek Art

Artistic Competitions and Festivals

• Artistic competitions at major Panhellenic festivals (Olympia, Delphi) spurred innovation and excellence in various art forms
• Agōn, or spirit of competition, permeated Greek culture and encouraged artists to surpass their predecessors and contemporaries
• Competitive atmosphere among Greek city-states led to creation of increasingly grand and innovative public monuments and buildings
• Tradition of signing artworks, more common in the Classical period, reflects growing recognition of individual artistic achievement
• Artistic contests in theater, music, and poetry at festivals (City Dionysia) stimulated creativity and innovation in performing arts
• Athletic competitions inspired developments in sculpture, particularly in depicting the idealized human form in motion

Technological and Stylistic Innovations

• Innovation in materials and techniques (lost-wax method in bronze casting) allowed for more dynamic and complex sculptural compositions
• Development of red-figure vase painting technique in Athens around 530 BCE transformed artistic traditions in pottery decoration
• Architectural innovations (Corinthian capital) emerged from competition among builders to create more elaborate and impressive structures
• Advancements in stone carving techniques enabled greater detail and realism in sculptural works
• Experimentation with foreshortening and shading in painting led to more illusionistic effects
• Development of new pigments and painting surfaces expanded the possibilities for Greek artists in wall painting and panel painting