Classical Greek Art

Polis (Poleis)

Independent Greek city-states, each with its own government and identity

Kouros/Kore

Archaic statues of nude male youths (kouroi) and clothed female figures (korai), often used as grave markers

Order

A system of architectural design including column style and entablature: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Doric Order

Origin: Mainland Greece, earliest of the three orders. Features:No base; column rests directly on the stylobate. Fluted shaft with 20 grooves. Simple capital: rounded echinus and square abacus. Entablature includes triglyphs (three vertical grooves) and metopes (sculpted panels). Example: Temple of Hera at Paestum (c. 540 BCE)

Ionic Order

Origin: Eastern Aegean islands and Asia Minor. Features:Columns have a base. More slender and elegant than Doric. Capital features volutes (scroll-like spirals). Continuous frieze instead of triglyphs/metopes. Example: Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis

Corinthian Order

Origin: Developed later, popular in Roman architecture. Features:Elaborate capital with acanthus leaves. Similar shaft and base to Ionic. Often used for interior decoration. Example: Tholos at Epidaurus (c. 360-340 BCE)

External Elevation

The visible exterior design of a building, including columns and entablature.

Pediment

The triangular upper part of a temple façade, often filled with sculpture.

Polychrome

Multicolored decoration, especially on sculpture and architecture.

Contrapposto

A naturalistic pose where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating asymmetry.

Modeling

The sculptural technique of shaping forms to suggest volume and anatomy.

Mimesis

Artistic imitation of the real world

Humanism

A cultural focus on human experience, reason, and individuality

Inset

A recessed area where a different material or object is placed

Acropolis

A high city or citadel, especially in Athens, home to important temples

Parthenon

The temple of Athena Parthenos on the Acropolis, symbol of Athenian power.

Iktinos & Kallikrates

Architects of the Parthenon

Phidias

Sculptor of the Athena Parthenos and overseer of Parthenon sculpture

Cella (Naos)

The inner chamber of a temple housing the cult statue.

Opisthodomos

A rear room in a temple, often used for storage or offerings

Pronaos/Opisthonaos

The front and rear porches of a temple.

Entasis

A slight bulge in a column to correct optical illusion of concavity.

Panathenaia

A major Athenian festival honoring Athena, depicted in the Parthenon frieze.

Parthenon (Athens, 447-432 BCE)

Architects: Iktinos and Kallikrates Combines Doric exterior with Ionic interior elements. Optical refinements:

Stylobate and entablature curve upward.

Columns lean inward slightly.

Corner columns are closer together.

Entasis: subtle bulge in columns for visual correction.

Athena Parthenos (Phidias)

Chryselephantine statue (gold and ivory). Symbol of Athenian power and divine protection. Shield and sandals depict mythological battles (Amazons, Centaurs).

Doryphoros (Polyclitus)

Embodies the Canon of Ideal Proportions (1:8 ratio). Contrapposto stance: weight shifted onto one leg. Idealized male nude representing arete (excellence).

Aphrodite of Knidos (Praxiteles)

First major sculpture of a nude female deity. Humanized portrayal: shown bathing.

Apoxyomenos (Lysippos)

Late classical; 330 BCE; marble copy; Lysippos introduced new canon of proportions: slender bodies, head's 1/8 height of body; ancient Greeks considered beauty to be matter of "correct" proportions; apoxyomenos=athlete scraping oil from body after exercise; nervous energy visible by facial features; athlete about to switch strigil (scraper) to other hand--> this will shift weight to other side of body.

Farnese Hercules

Massive, muscular figure resting after labor. Realistic weariness contrasts with idealized body.

Laocoon and His Sons

Hellenistic baroque style: intense emotion, twisting forms. Depicts mythological struggle with sea serpents.

Plan of the Station Baths

Places to mingle, even elites were there!!

Accessible for most people, very low cost

Commoners still didn't have the same amenities as rich ppl