Lecture 7: Archaic to Classical Greece

Megaron

Columnar porch, vestibule (lobby), throne room (open to ceiling in the center), supported by 4 columns

Peristyle

Line of columns inclosing a space

Pronaos

“Before the sacred space”

Cella

The inner chamber of a classical temple, especially a Greek or Roman one, which houses the cult statue of the deity

Adyton

Sacred chamber with restricted access

Post and lintel construction

Series of posts supporting horizontal element (lintel)

Doric orders

• Columns are stout

• Have no base

• Feature a simple, plain capital with a rounded echinus and square abacus

Ionic orders

• Slender columns

• Sit on a base

• Distinctive scroll-like volutes on their capitals

Entablature

Sits on top of column

Triglyph

Vertical striations

Metope

Located between the triglyphs, often decorated with relief sculptures

Continuous frieze

A continuous band of relief sculpture or painting, often used in architecture, that depicts a single, unfolding story or scene rather than being broken into separate panels

Pediment

A triangular or ornamental shape formed by the sloping gables of a roof or a decorative element that crowns a structure's facade, often found above a building's entrance or a smaller doorway or window

Orientalizing

Early Greek art began borrowing ideas, patterns, and symbols from Eastern cultures, such as animals, floral designs, and mythological creatures

Gigantomachy

War of humans against giants

Kouros/Kore

Youth/young boy

Contrapposto

Contrary/against (movement comes from here)

Kouros from Anavysos

The piece is less abstract and he has an archaic smile. The smile was meant to show life instead of emotions. He is posing rigidly and this shows the Greek’s interest in idealized youth. The anatomy is of a naturalistic style.

Dying Warrior from West Pediment of Temple of Aphaia

The warrior has an archaic smile although he’s been stabbed. He is both heroic and vulnerable. This represents the Greeks interest in balancing idealized forms with realistic depictions. With him lowering his head and twisting his body, it’s a more naturalistic movement. 

Dying Warrior from East Pediment of Temple of Aphaia

The warrior is airborne and braces himself. There is no pain on his face and he appears contemplative. There is movement away from the archaic smile to realism. The piece is showing him as he’s falling.

Parthenon

It was a monument to the greatness of Athens and Pericles. It was meant to be seen by Athenians and their subject allies. It took 15 years total to build. The order is doric with ionic elements. It was made with the design of optical refinements.