13.1 Art as political propaganda in ancient Greece

Ancient Greek art wasn't just pretty pictures. It was a powerful tool for politicians to show off their power and ideas. They used big buildings and statues to make Athens look awesome and important.

The Parthenon was the ultimate flex. Built by Pericles, it screamed "Athens is the best!" Its amazing art and architecture celebrated Athenian culture and power. Other sculptures around the city did the same thing, showing off Athens' greatness to everyone.

Political Figures and Monuments

Pericles and the Parthenon

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Top images from around the web for Pericles and the Parthenon

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  parthenon frieze | Details of the west frieze of Parthenon b… | Flickr View original

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  The Parthenon Frieze 2 | Christopher Amrich | Flickr View original

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  Parthenon Frieze | From the reconstructed frieze on the rear… | Flickr View original

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  parthenon frieze | Details of the west frieze of Parthenon b… | Flickr View original

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  The Parthenon Frieze 2 | Christopher Amrich | Flickr View original

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• Pericles, prominent Athenian statesman, initiated an ambitious building program in Athens during the 5th century BC
• Commissioned the construction of the Parthenon, a monumental temple dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis (the city's sacred hill)
• The Parthenon served as a symbol of Athenian power, wealth, and cultural achievements
• Showcased the finest examples of Greek architecture, sculpture, and artistic craftsmanship (Doric columns, elaborate frieze, and pediments)

Public Sculpture on the Acropolis

• The Acropolis became a focal point for public sculpture during the Classical period
• Sculptures adorned the Parthenon and other temples, depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes
• The Parthenon frieze depicted the Panathenaic procession, a festival honoring Athena and celebrating Athenian civic identity
• Other notable sculptures on the Acropolis include the Erechtheion Caryatids (female figures serving as architectural supports) and the Athena Promachos (a colossal bronze statue of Athena)

Athenian Power and Influence

Athenian Empire and the Delian League

• Athens emerged as a dominant power in the Greek world following the Persian Wars (490-479 BC)
• Formed the Delian League, a military alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, to counter the Persian threat
• The league gradually transformed into the Athenian Empire as Athens exerted greater control over its allies
• Athens used its power and wealth to fund ambitious building projects and assert its cultural supremacy

Victory Monuments and Votive Offerings

• Athens celebrated its military victories and political achievements through the creation of victory monuments
• The Athenian Treasury at Delphi, built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), showcased Athenian prowess
• Votive offerings, such as the Athenian Acropolis Korai (statues of young women), were dedicated to the gods as a sign of gratitude and piety
• These monuments and offerings served as a reminder of Athenian power and influence in the Greek world

Artistic Ideals and Civic Identity

Idealization in Classical Greek Art

• Classical Greek art, particularly sculpture, sought to represent idealized human forms and proportions
• Artists aimed to capture the essence of beauty, harmony, and balance in their works
• The Canon of Polykleitos, a treatise on sculptural proportions, exemplified the pursuit of ideal human form
• Idealized representations of gods, heroes, and athletes reflected the Greek belief in the perfection of the human body and spirit

Art and Athenian Civic Identity

• Art played a crucial role in shaping and expressing Athenian civic identity
• Public monuments, sculptures, and architectural works celebrated Athenian values, achievements, and religious beliefs
• The Parthenon and its sculptures embodied the ideals of democracy, wisdom, and reverence for the gods
• Artistic representations of mythological scenes and historical events reinforced a shared cultural heritage and promoted a sense of unity among Athenian citizens