Greek Architecture

Phidias and his workshop

the parthenon’s architecture is classical beauty enhanced by the sculpture by ________

pediments’ subjects (Parthenon)

both ends were filled with over life size figures. It took 12-years to complete- and was consistent in style.

• has to deal with the awkward triangular frame

frieze

it is an ionic architectural member, with a continuous low-relief Sculpture located under the pediments (550 ft long)

metopes and classical Greek high-relief

series of marble panels, originally 92 in number, on the outside walls of the parthenon in Athens, Greece. The metopes of each side of the building had a different subject, they are famous examples of the classical Greek high-relief. many details of parthenon Sculpture were painted and color would have enhanced the beauty of the marble.

• panel between triglyph in Doric frieze.

• features a series of battle scenes including battles between centaurs and men.

pericles

patron of the arts in ancient greece

He encouraged Athenian wealth to adorn the city and rebuilt much of the acropolis which had been destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE. Pericles was criticized by his political opponents fro his extravagance, but received support by the Athenians.

Acropolis of Athens

“High city” site of most important temples

After Persian troops destroyed the acropolis in 480 BCE, the Athenians wanted to keep the ruins as a memorial. -Pericles convinced them to rebuild in honor of the gods/Athena- Phidias was in charge of the rebuilding of the Acropolis.

Parthenon interior

held two chambers. the smaller chamber housed the city’s treasure, small goddess, and the naos- the statue of Athena.

ionic frieze

550 feet long on interior facing naos-/cella

parthenon features

mixing Doric and Ionic- Doric Colonnade

Exterior was Doric order an interior frieze was ionic.

pediment

in classical architecture the triangular space at the end of building formed by the ends of the sloping roof, is a pediment.

wet drapery

a style/technique in Greek art where the clothing appears transparent and clings to the body, in the manner of wet clothe. Used in order to keep a figure (usually a women) clothed and modest while allowing the shape and details of her body to show through the clothing.

plaque of erganstines

the subject on the frieze of the Parthenon was the procession of the Great Panathenaea, a celebration every four years to honor Athena.

Athenian view of the Parthenon

Athenians saw the Parthenon as a monument to their success and to the generosity of patron goddess Athena.

carytid

a female column with simple doric capitals supporting ionic entablature located at the erechtheion.

erechtheion

second largest structure under pericles- asymmetrically planned and had several levels- functions in housing different shrines Also was where the contest between Athena and Posiden took place whilst fighting.

Corinthian capital

• double row of acanthus leaves

• 450 BCE, became popular in Hellenistic period, and Roman times.

Romans’ copying Greek art

• late 1st century BCE the influence of greek painting, sculpture, and architecture were emerging in Roman civilization.

• reproduced great Greek sculptures

• most knowledge of Greek achievements have come primarily from Roman copies and descriptions of Greek Art by Roman writers.

Classical period

Greek values of Beauty and perfection were embodied in representations of the nude male i. Peace and prosperity fueled the development of Greek art.

Hellenistic period

ushered in a change of aesthetic values by focusing on the diversity of the human condition.

Late Classical period

greek art began to focus more on the individual and real world appearances rather than ideal world of perfect beings. This period also saw earliest sections of fully nude women.

Characteristics of Hellenistic art

• action

• emotion

• extreme in age

• humor

• eroticism

• violence and death

• dramatic poses (overbalance), very active, expression in facial features and body gestures of figures.

Expressionism and dying gaul and his wife

the dying gaul and his wife depicts murder and suicide, which brings out an emotional response in the viewer.

Pericles

a leader in Athens that dominated Athenian politics and culture from 462 BCE until death 429 BCE. He led Athens through 1st Peloponnesian war and negotiated peace.

• Athens achieved its greatest influence under him