Lecture 8: Late Classical and Hellenistic Art

Panathenaic procession

Ceremonial march from the city to the Acropolis to present a new robe (peplos) for the statue of the goddess Athena, reinforcing civic pride and religious devotion

Wet drapery technique

• Heaviness of drapery looks wet

• Looks like it has weight

• Seen in classical period

Realism

Depicts every day life

Humanizing

• Focus on the human experience, emotions, and expression within art

• Shifts from idealized forms to more realistic representations

Emotionalism

Expression of emotion

Doryphoros (Spear Bearer)

He is made of bronze and stands in contrapposto. His body shoves movement, while his face is composed. He was most likely an athletic figure which symbolizes strength. He is much more naturalistic compared to Kritios Boy.

Aphrodite of Knidos

The piece was placed in a circular temple to be viewed from all sides. Aphrodite is naked which hasn’t been seen for centuries. Her robe has been removed and she’s stepping into her bath. She covers herself which shows vulnerability. Her legs are posing like contrapposto and the piece is humanizing.

Weary Herakles

Herakles appears tired, an example of emotionalism. There’s a mix of vulnerability and power given the muscles. He is holding apples in his hands. The figure shows contrapposto. 

Gaul Killing Himself and His Wife

This is a Greek Hellenistic sculpture and the style is naturalistic. The facial expressions show grief and pain. Gaul chooses to kill himself rather than be taken. This is an act of suicide from someone who isn’t Greek.