Artistic and Architectural Innovations of Ancient Greece

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the artistic and architectural innovations of ancient Greece, focusing on different periods and styles.

Archaic Period

The time frame in Greek art from the late seventh to the early fifth centuries BCE, characterized by the assimilation of influences from Egypt and the Near East.

Kouros

A life-sized freestanding statue of a nude male youth in Archaic Greek art, often depicted with a rigid frontal pose.

Kore

A life-sized freestanding statue of a clothed female figure in Archaic Greek art.

Red-figure pottery

A technique used in Greek pottery that allows for more detailed painting and greater naturalism compared to the earlier black-figure style.

Contrapposto

A pose in sculpture where the weight is distributed on one leg, creating a more dynamic and relaxed stance, often used in Classical Greek art.

Doric Order

The simplest and sturdiest of the three classical architectural orders, characterized by a plain capital and a fluted column.

Ionic Order

An architectural order that is taller and more decorative than the Doric, noted for its scroll-like capitals.

Corinthian Order

The most ornate of the classical architectural orders, featuring elaborate capitals adorned with acanthus leaves.

The Parthenon

A temple dedicated to Athena, located on the Acropolis in Athens, exemplifying the ideals of Classical Greek architecture and proportion.

Hellenistic Period

The period following the Classical era in Greek art, characterized by more expressive and dynamic forms, often depicting everyday life and emotional subjects.

Laocoön Group

A famous Hellenistic sculpture depicting the Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons being attacked by serpents, symbolizing emotional and physical anguish.

Idealism in Greek Art

The representation of figures according to an idealized standard of beauty and proportion, emphasizing harmony and symmetry.

Venus de Medici

A Roman copy of a fourth-century BCE Greek original by Praxiteles, representing the feminine ideal in Hellenistic art.