CH 5 Vocab

Geometric Patterns

Complex decorative motifs based on geometric shapes like meanders, zigzags, and triangles, common in pottery and early sculptures.

Meander

A continuous line design, also known as the Greek key pattern, that is a hallmark of Greek geometric decoration.

Krater

A large vessel used for mixing water and wine, often used as grave markers in the Geometric period.

Amphora

A two-handled vase used for storage and transportation of goods, often decorated with narrative scenes.

Black-Figure Technique

A pottery painting style where figures are painted in black slip on red clay and detailed with incised lines.

Orientalizing Influence

The incorporation of Eastern motifs into Greek art due to increased trade with the Near East.

Kouros (pl. Kouroi)

Archaic Greek statues of young men, standing nude in a rigid, frontal pose with an 'Archaic smile'.

Kore (pl. Korai)

Statues of young women, clothed in elaborate garments, often holding offerings.

Archaic Smile

The slight, closed-lip smile seen on Archaic sculptures, indicating a sense of well-being.

Polychromy

The practice of painting sculptures in vibrant colors, common in Archaic and Classical Greek art.

Caryatid

A sculpted female figure serving as architectural support, famously seen on the Erechtheion.

Doric Order

The simplest of the three classical Greek architectural orders, characterized by sturdy, fluted columns.

Ionic Order

An architectural style with slender, fluted columns and scrolled capitals.

Red-Figure Technique

A pottery style where red figures are left in the natural color of the clay, and the background is painted black.

Contrapposto

An asymmetrical stance in sculpture where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a relaxed pose.

Canon of Proportions

A set of ideal mathematical ratios in art developed by Polykleitos, exemplified in his sculpture Doryphoros.

Chryselephantine

A sculptural technique that combines gold and ivory, used in large-scale statues.

Frieze

A horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, often found above the columns in a temple.

Metope

The square space between triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often decorated with relief sculpture.

Pediment

The triangular upper part of a classical building, often decorated with sculptural reliefs.

Acropolis

A fortified hilltop in ancient Greek cities, notably home to the Parthenon.

Agora

The public open space used for assemblies and markets in ancient Greek cities.

Pathos

The quality of art that evokes emotions, especially in Hellenistic sculpture.

Dramatic Realism

A characteristic of Hellenistic art where figures are shown in dynamic, contorted poses.

Gigantomachy

A mythological battle between gods and giants, frequently depicted in Hellenistic art.

Pergamene Style

An expressive, dynamic style of sculpture characterized by dramatic movement and intense expressions.

Nike (Victory)

The Greek goddess of victory, often depicted in Hellenistic sculptures celebrating triumphs.

Hellenistic Baroque

A style of Hellenistic art emphasizing dramatic, emotionally charged expressions.

Stylobate

The top step of the temple platform on which columns stand.

Peristyle

A continuous porch of columns surrounding a building or courtyard.

Entasis

A slight curve in columns to correct the optical illusion of concavity.

Volute

The spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic capitals.

Cella (or Naos)

The inner chamber of a Greek temple, housing the cult statue.

Humanism

A philosophy in Greek art that focuses on the human experience and idealized human forms.

Idealism

The representation of subjects in their perfect form rather than a realistic portrayal.

Naturalism

The depiction of realistic objects in a natural setting, significant in Classical and Hellenistic art.

Heroic Nudity

The portrayal of gods, athletes, and warriors in the nude, symbolizing idealized beauty and strength.