Art History - Aegean and Greek Art Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Aegean and Greek art periods, providing definitions and context for important artworks, styles, and figures in art history.

Geometric Period

An art style from the 8th century BCE characterized by geometric shapes and figures.

Orientalizing Period

Refers to the 7th century BCE art period influenced by Near Eastern art.

Archaic Period

A period in Greek art (6th to early 5th century BCE) marked by the development of Kouros and Kore statues.

Kouros

Statues of nude male youths, common in Archaic Greek art, often depicted in a frontal pose.

Kore

Statues of young women from the Archaic period, often clothed and in a standing pose.

Contrapposto

An art style where the human figure is posed with weight shifted onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamism.

Doric Order

The simplest of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by sturdy fluted columns.

Ionic Order

A classical architectural style distinguished by slender, fluted columns with scroll-like capitals.

Corinthian Order

The most ornate of the three main classical orders, characterized by elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves.

Caryatids

Columns carved in the form of standing female figures, typically used to support entablatures in Greek architecture.

Fresco Buono

True fresco method of painting on wet plaster.

Fresco Secco

Dry fresco method of painting on dry plaster.

Chryselephantine

A technique of sculpture that uses gold (chrysos) and ivory (elephantinos) for decoration.

Cyclopean architecture

A style of monumental construction using large, irregular stones, believed to have been built by a race of giants.

Corbeled vault

An arch or vault that is formed by placing stones across a space, each stone projecting further than the one before.

Megalithic

Large stone structures, often used for tombs or monuments.

Repousse

A metalworking technique in which metal is shaped by hammering it from the reverse side.

Linear A

A script used in Ancient Crete, associated with the Minoan civilization.

Linear B

A syllabic script used for writing Mycenaean Greek, older than the Greek alphabet.

Beehive Tomb

A type of ancient Greek tomb that has a circular plan and is covered by a dome.

The Iliad

An epic poem attributed to Homer, detailing the events of the Trojan War.

The Odyssey

An epic poem attributed to Homer, chronicling the adventures of Odysseus after the Trojan War.

Hellenistic Period

The final period of ancient Greek art (4th-1st century BCE) characterized by emotional expression and dramatic poses.

Nike of Samothrace

A Hellenistic sculpture of Winged Victory, known for its dynamic pose and flowing drapery.

Laocoon Group

A Hellenistic sculpture depicting the Trojan priest Laocoon and his sons being attacked by serpents.

Praxiteles

A prominent Greek sculptor of the 4th century BCE known for his sensual and humanized representations.

Polykleitos

A Greek sculptor of the 5th century BCE known for creating the Doryphorus and establishing the canon of proportions.

Discobolus

A famous statue by Myron depicting an athlete throwing a discus.

The Parthenon

A temple on the Acropolis in Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, known for its Doric design and sculptures.

Delphi Charioteer

A bronze sculpture commemorating a chariot race victory, an example of early classical Greek art.

Spear Bearer (Doryphorus)

Sculpture by Polykleitos representing the ideal male form, showcasing the canon of proportions.

The Erectheion

An ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis known for its Caryatids and complex design.

Temple of Athena Nike

A small temple on the Acropolis dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike, known for its elegant Ionic style.

Achilles

A central character in Homer's Iliad, known for his strength and tragic fate.

Hector

The Trojan prince and greatest warrior in the Iliad, known for his honor and bravery.

Achilles' heel

A metaphor for a person's weakness, derived from the myth of Achilles, who was invulnerable except for his heel.

Nemesis

The Greek goddess of retribution and vengeance, symbolizing the consequences of hubris.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall in Greek tragedies.

Archaic Smile

A characteristic smile seen in many Archaic Greek statues, representing a sense of vitality.

Hero and the Centaur

A sculpture type from the Geometric period that depicts a mythological scene involving characters in combat.

Fluted columns

Columns that are vertically grooved and commonly found in classical architecture.

Minoan Art

Art from the Minoan civilization, known for its vibrant frescoes and pottery.

Mycenaean Art

Art from the Mycenaean civilization, notable for its pottery, metalwork, and monumental architecture.

Cycladic Art

Art from the Cycladic islands, characterized by simple, abstract forms and figures.

Hellenistic Naturalism

Art style marked by heightened realism and emotional expression during the Hellenistic period.

The Treasury of Atreus

A famous beehive tomb known for its large corbelled dome and grand entrance.

Cella (Naos)

The inner chamber of a temple where the cult statue was housed.

Panathenaic Festival

The most important religious festival in Athens, honoring the goddess Athena.

Temple of Zeus at Olympia

A classical temple featuring a colossal statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Chiton

A type of classic Greek garment worn by both men and women.

Minoan Snake Goddess

A symbol of Minoan civilization, often depicted holding snakes.

Octopus Vase

A famous Minoan vessel characterized by its depiction of octopus and marine life.

Bull Leaping Fresco

A famous Minoan fresco thought to depict ritual bull leaping.

Horsemen of the Parthenon

Reliefs depicting horsemen in the Panathenaic procession on the inner friezes of the Parthenon.

Farnese Hercules

A Hellenistic sculpture that exemplifies the transition to a more realistic portrayal of the human form.