Ancient Greece (c. 600-300 BC)
Introduction to Ancient Greece (c. 600-300 BC)
- The ancient Greek period is considered to be one of the most influential historical epochs in the development of Western art and architecture.
- Encompasses several dynamic periods of artistic evolution, including the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods, each of which contributed unique aspects of artistic style and ideology.
Archaic Period (c. 600-480 BC)
- Noted for its significant advances in visual art and architecture shaped by the interaction between Egypt and the Near East.
- The kouros (male) and kore (female) statues are notable for their rigid, forward-facing stance reminiscent of Egyptian statues, but depicting Greek dress and hair.
- The Depiction of human anatomy began to improve on sculptures, especially on more visible areas such as muscles, hair, and facial details.
Classical Period (c. 480-323 BC)
- The artistic embodiment of the ideals of balance, proportion, and harmony which were basic principles of Greek philosophy.
- Introduction of contrapposto (the twist or tension in the figure as a result of it bearing weight on one limb) resulting in more naturalistic human figures.
- Famous sculptors of this period include Phidias, Polykleitos, and Praxiteles.
- Development of architectural styles including the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. The best-preserved Doric temple is the Parthenon.
Hellenistic Period (c. 323-30 BC)
- Characterised by a significant expansion of themes and styles in sculpture and architecture as a result of the expansion of the Greek world under Alexander the Great.
- Art began to depict a wider range of emotions and situations, from deep contemplation to intense suffering, highlighting the dramatic expression.
- Architectural feats of this period include the Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, known for its large, dramatically carved frieze.
Religious and Cultural Influence
- Mythology and religion played a major role in Greek art, with many structures dedicated to gods and goddesses. This reverence of the divine is evident in their heightened realism and idealised depictions of the human form.
- Emphasis on athletic competitions and athletic bodies as an homage to the gods and an integral part of Greek religious festivals.
End of Greek Artistic Dominance
- The shift in power from Greece to Rome in the late Hellenistic period led to the end of distinctive Greek art as Roman art took precedence.
- The Romans, however, greatly admired Greek art and culture, and many Greek works were copied by Roman artists.