3.2 Major sculptors and their works (e.g., Kritios, Nesiotes)

The Early Classical period saw sculptors like Kritios, Nesiotes, and Myron pushing artistic boundaries. They moved away from rigid Archaic forms, embracing naturalism and lifelike representations of the human body. Their work focused on anatomical accuracy and dynamic poses.

Famous sculptures like the Tyrannicides and Discobolus showcase these advancements. These works capture movement, tension, and energy in bronze and marble, representing a shift towards more realistic and emotionally engaging art in ancient Greece.

Early Classical Sculptors

Influential Artists of the Early Classical Period

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• Kritios, an Athenian sculptor known for his naturalistic style and attention to anatomical detail
• Nesiotes, a collaborator of Kritios, worked together on the famous Tyrannicides sculpture
• Kalamis, a Greek sculptor renowned for his graceful and elegant figures, particularly in his depictions of horses and other animals
• Pythagoras of Rhegion, a Greek sculptor who introduced a more naturalistic approach to the human form, emphasizing proportion and balance

Artistic Advancements and Innovations

• Early Classical sculptors began to move away from the rigid, stylized forms of the Archaic period
• Artists started to explore more naturalistic and lifelike representations of the human body
• Greater attention was paid to anatomical accuracy, proportion, and the representation of movement
• Sculptors experimented with contrapposto, a pose where the weight is shifted to one leg, creating a more dynamic and realistic stance (Kritios Boy)

Famous Works of the Early Classical Period

Tyrannicides

• The Tyrannicides, created by Kritios and Nesiotes, depicts Harmodius and Aristogeiton, two Athenian heroes who assassinated the tyrant Hipparchus in 514 BCE
• The original bronze sculpture was erected in the Athenian Agora around 477 BCE, becoming a symbol of Athenian democracy and resistance to tyranny
• The sculpture showcases the early development of naturalistic representation and the use of contrapposto

Other Notable Sculptures

• Kritios Boy, an early example of contrapposto and naturalistic representation of the male nude, attributed to Kritios or his circle
• Discobolus (Discus Thrower), created by Myron, captures the athlete in the midst of the throwing motion, showcasing the sculptor's ability to depict movement and tension in the human form

Myron

Life and Work

• Myron, an Athenian sculptor active in the early to mid-5th century BCE, was a contemporary of Phidias and Polykleitos
• Known for his skill in depicting athletes and animals in motion, capturing the dynamism and energy of his subjects
• Worked primarily in bronze, which allowed for greater flexibility in pose and movement compared to marble

Discobolus (Discus Thrower)

• Myron's most famous work, the Discobolus, represents an athlete in the midst of throwing a discus
• The sculpture showcases Myron's mastery of capturing a moment of intense action and his keen observation of the human form
• The figure's twisted pose, with the torso and head turned in opposition to the hips and legs, creates a sense of tension and potential energy
• The Discobolus exemplifies the Early Classical style's interest in naturalism, anatomical accuracy, and the representation of movement