2.3 Mycenaean Art: Metalwork, Frescoes, and Fortifications

Mycenaean artisans mastered metalworking techniques like repoussé and granulation, creating stunning gold masks and jewelry. Their art reflected a militaristic society, with frescoes depicting warfare and hunting scenes, contrasting with the peaceful Minoan style.

Mycenaean citadels showcased impressive defensive architecture, featuring cyclopean masonry and strategic layouts. Art played a crucial role in expressing power, wealth, and cultural values, influencing later Greek art and preserving myths in visual form.

Mycenaean Artistic Techniques and Cultural Expression

Metalworking techniques of Mycenaean artisans

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  Casting Bronze Age Swords | The experimental casting of Bron… | Flickr View original

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  Oxford: Ashmolean Museum - "Golden Party Mask of Agamemnon… | Flickr View original

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  mycenae - decorated dagger | Shaft Grave V, Grave Circle A, … | Flickr View original

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  Oxford: Ashmolean Museum - "Golden Party Mask of Agamemnon… | Flickr View original

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• Gold masks crafted using repoussé technique hammered from behind to create raised designs and chasing technique refined details from the front (Mask of Agamemnon)
• Jewelry adorned with granulation tiny gold beads soldered to surface and filigree delicate wire work created intricate patterns
• Weaponry forged through bronze casting molten metal poured into molds and damascene inlaying gold or silver into bronze enhanced decorative elements
• Metalworking tools included crucibles melted metal, molds shaped objects, hammers and anvils formed and refined pieces

Mycenaean vs Minoan artistic styles

• Mycenaean frescoes depicted warfare, hunting, and religious ceremonies in rigid and formal style with limited color palette
• Minoan influence seen in adoption of fresco technique and shared motifs (marine life)
• Minoan frescoes portrayed nature, daily life, and religious rituals in fluid and naturalistic style with vibrant and diverse colors
• Mycenaeans emphasized male figures and military scenes while Minoans focused on female figures and peaceful scenes

Architecture of Mycenaean citadels

• Citadel layout featured acropolis elevated fortified area and lower town for general population
• Defensive features included cyclopean masonry massive stone blocks, thick walls up to 20 feet, limited entrances, and iconic structures (Lion Gate at Mycenae)
• Interior structures comprised megaron central hall, storage rooms, and workshops supported daily life and administration
• Water management systems incorporated cisterns and underground water supply ensured self-sufficiency during sieges
• Strategic hilltop placement and emphasis on protection reflected militaristic society capable of withstanding long sieges

Role of art in Mycenaean society

• Monumental architecture and elaborate burial practices (shaft graves, tholos tombs) expressed power and authority
• Precious materials (gold, silver, ivory) and complex craftsmanship demonstrated wealth and technological prowess
• Grave goods and depictions of deities and rituals reflected cultural values and beliefs in afterlife
• Trade networks evident in imported luxury goods and adoption of foreign styles showcased international connections
• Mycenaean art influenced later Greek art and architecture preserved myths and legends in visual form