9.3 Portraiture and the emergence of individualism in sculpture
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Greek sculptors in the began creating more realistic portraits. They captured and personalities, aiming to depict subjects accurately. This shift reflected the growing emphasis on individualism in Greek society.
became a way to celebrate and commemorate individuals. commissioned sculptures to assert their status and legacy. Artists like set new standards, creating that conveyed both physical likeness and inner character.
Portraiture and Realism
Emergence of Portraiture in Sculpture
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Top images from around the web for Emergence of Portraiture in Sculpture
A Greek Marble Relief of a Young Girl Holding Doves | Getty Iris View original
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File:Belvedere Apollo Pio-Clementino Inv1015 n5.jpg - Wikipedia View original
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File:Bust Alcibiades Musei Capitolini MC1160.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
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A Greek Marble Relief of a Young Girl Holding Doves | Getty Iris View original
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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
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 and
Achieved through subtle and body language (slight smile, furrowed brow)
Physiognomy and Character Representation
, 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 and propaganda ()
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
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