Unit 6_ Ancient Greece Part 3 - The Classical Period

Art of Ancient Greece

The Classical Period

The Persian Wars (499–449 BCE)

  • The Greeks, led by city-states like Athens and Sparta, repelled Persian invasions in battles such as:

    • Marathon (490 BCE)

    • Salamis (480 BCE)

  • Victory fostered a shared Hellenic identity and cultural pride.

  • Inspired monumental projects like the rebuilding of the Athenian Acropolis, including the Parthenon.

  • Timeframe of Classical Period: 480-450 BCE

Major Population Centers and Events

  • Cities involved in the Persian Wars and alliances:

    • Macedon, Corinth, Sparta, Athens among others.

    • Key events include Xerxes' Expedition (480-479 BCE) and various revolts.

  • Persian Empire's influence in Greece diminished after the wars.

The Birth of Democracy

  • Athens developed the first known democracy focused on:

    • Civic participation and public discourse.

  • Public spaces like the Agora became central for art and architecture, fostering civic activities.

The Delian League

  • Post-Persian Wars, Athens emerged as a dominant power through the leadership of the Delian League.

  • Wealth from tribute payments funded grand architectural projects, especially during Pericles' leadership (495–429 BCE).

The Value of the Human Being

  • **Anthropocentrism:

    • Protagoras: "Man is the measure of all things."

    • Greek humanism emphasized human experience and reasoning.

    • Greeks viewed humans as capable of shaping their destinies through intelligence, not merely at the mercy of gods.

  • Celebration of Human Potential:

    • Art depicted idealized human forms as symbols of strength and virtue.

Early Classical Period Art (480-450 BCE)

Kritios Boy (c. 480 BCE)

  • A Kouros statue attributed to Kritios.

  • Signifies the developing Greek identity post-Persian Wars.

  • Shift to naturalism with realistic body positions and relaxed expressions:

    • Contrapposto: A naturalistic stance shifting weight onto one leg.

The Doryphoros (Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos (c. 450-440 BCE)

  • Masterpiece of Classical art, originally a bronze work now lost.

  • Known for its contrapposto form, showing balance of muscular tension and relaxation.

  • Idealization of male nude reflects Greek values of harmony and rationality.

Riace Bronzes (c. 460-450 BCE)

  • Bronze statues discovered in 1972, showcasing dynamic poses and idealized physiques.

  • Represent the Greek ideal of the heroic male nude and exemplify rare Greek bronze work.

Discobolus (Discus Thrower) by Myron (c. 450 BCE)

  • Bronze original lost; represented by Roman copies.

  • Captures dynamic action, balancing motion and stillness, exalted athleticism.

Aphrodite of Knidos (4th Century B.C.)

  • Created by Praxiteles, famous female nude depiction challenging male art traditions.

  • First life-size nude of a female figure in Greek history; conveyed modesty by covering with a bath towel.

The Acropolis of Pericles

Key Structures

  • Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike

  • Pericles transformed Athens into an architectural center, initiating the Parthenon construction in 447 BCE.

  • Controversial use of Delian League funds intended for defense.

Temple of Athena Nike (421-405 B.C.E)

  • Designed by Kallikrates, dedicated to Nike, the goddess of victory.

  • Inspired by Greek victories over Persians, known for its stunning architectural design.

The Erechtheion (421-406 B.C.E)

  • Designed to accommodate uneven terrains, housing Caryatids (porch sculptures).

  • Dedicated to Athena and features mythically significant contests.

The Parthenon (447-432 B.C.E)

  • Designed by Iktinos and Kallikrates, notable for its Doric style with Ionic elements.

  • Houses the statue of Athena Parthenos, created by Phidias.

The East and West Pediments of the Parthenon

  • East Pediment: Depicts the Birth of Athena.

  • West Pediment: Illustrates the contest between Athena and Poseidon.

Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1799-1803)

  • British ambassador, obtained permission to remove sculptures from the Parthenon, a highly debated action.

  • Often viewed as both a savior of art and a thief, the Elgin Marbles currently reside in the British Museum.

The Panathenaic Frieze

  • Celebrates the Panathenaic Procession held every four years in honor of Athena.

  • Art depicts Athenian civic pride, showcasing citizens in procession.

The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE)

  • Conflict marked by the rivalry between Athens and Sparta.

  • Resulted in devastation and weakening of Greek states, paving the way for Macedonian dominance under Philip II and Alexander the Great.