ch 4 (HoGA)

A History of Greek Art: The Sub-Mycenaean, Protogeometric, and Geometric Periods (c. 1075–700 BCE)

Overview of the Period

Cultural Context (c. 1075–700 BCE)

• This era marks a significant transition from the flourishing Bronze Age into the Early Iron Age, often referred to as the Dark Ages of Greece.

• The collapse of many Mycenaean palatial centers, beginning around 1175 BCE, resulted in widespread economic and cultural turmoil, leading to a dramatic reduction in both population and complex societal structures.

• With the fall of palatial economies, writing systems (Linear B) were lost, along with the production of luxury goods and advanced crafts, creating a void in material culture.

• The resulting landscape was characterized by poverty, subsistence agriculture, and limited trade networks, altering the trajectory of Greek society.

Artistic Expression

• Artistic production transitioned during this period to become more modest and primarily utilitarian, focusing largely on pottery and textiles that served daily functions.

• Artifacts from this time highlight the need for practical household items such as cooking vessels and storage jars, leading to shapes and forms becoming more practical than aesthetic.

• Interestingly, diverse regional styles began to emerge in pottery, indicating localized identities and practices among communities.

Timeline of Key Events and Artifacts

• Sub-Mycenaean Period (c. 1085/80–1050/25 BCE)

  • Notable artifact: Amphoriskos from Kerameikos, featuring simple, robust forms reflecting the societal shift to fundamental needs.

• Protogeometric Period (c. 1050–900 BCE)

  • Characterized by the emergence of sophisticated ceramics like the Amphora from Kerameikos, showcasing early geometric designs.

  • Architectural evidence includes the discovery of Houses at Lefkandi, indicating a move towards more permanent habitation structures.

• Early Geometric Period (c. 900–850 BCE)

  • Significant artifact: Centaur (c. 900 BCE) from Lefkandi, notable for its combination of human and animal forms, which may reflect cultural narratives or mythological themes in art.

• Middle Geometric II (c. 760–735 BCE)

  • Key artifacts include the Dipylon Amphora, Euboean Krater, and Argive Krater, which feature elaborate geometric patterns and decoration signifying increased craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility.

• Late Geometric II (c. 735–700 BCE)

  • This period is marked by the development of skyphos and other pottery types that illustrate shifts in design choices and the social functions of these vessels in rituals.

Artistic Developments

Pottery

• The evolution of pottery during this timeframe represents key regional variations and advancements in stylistic elements and quality.

• Distinguishing Characteristics:

  • The emergence of geometric forms, often influenced by nature and human activity, eventually led to increasingly complex motifs.

  • New decorative elements included concentric half-circles, intricate zig-zags, and meanders that became hallmark features of Geometric pottery.

• Sub-Mycenaean Pottery:

  • Features simple forms, less polished surfaces, and utilitarian designs, indicating the pragmatism of the period.

• Protogeometric Pottery:

  • Exhibits increasing refinement with elaborate decor produced by compass techniques, highlighting the technological advancements in ceramic production.

• Early Geometric Pottery:

  • Includes figurative representations, pointing to a cultural interest in identity and memory, especially through funerary artifacts such as cinerary urns.

• Middle Geometric Pottery:

  • Recognized for narrative scenes and complex patterns, reflecting societal developments and an increase in goods associated with warfare and elite status.

Sculpture

• Common sculpture forms during this era include votive statues and representations of animals, humans, and deities, highlighting the significant role of spirituality in everyday life.

• Significant example: Centaur from Lefkandi (c. 900 BCE) illustrates a highly detailed approach and underscores the interconnectedness of animal and human forms, possibly indicating a blend of myth and cultural identity.

• Terracotta figures were prevalent as votive offerings, often reflecting cross-cultural influences in their craftsmanship, suggesting the fluidity of cultural exchange.

Architecture

• Architectural evidence is limited primarily due to the perishable materials used, such as wood and mud brick, leading to a challenge in analyzing this aspect of the period.

• A significant archeological finding is the large structure in Lefkandi (c. 1000–950 BCE), which indicates a noteworthy development in architectural practices and communal living spaces.

• Houses began to emerge with distinct functions and layouts, indicative of an evolving social structure reflective of the emerging polis. The town layout at Zagora is particularly notable for illustrating the organization of residential space and social dynamics.

Cultural Implications

Establishment of the Polis:

• The evolution from rigid Mycenaean hierarchies to more democratized political systems demonstrates a shift towards collective decision-making and an emphasis on citizenship rights.

• Art and architecture during this time were products of these societal changes, emphasizing communal identity over elite representation, marking a pivotal transformation in Greek civilization.

Textbox: What is in a Name?

• A discussion about terminology: the terms "Dark Ages" and "Early Iron Age" have different implications and reflect the need for a nuanced understanding of this transformative period.

• Despite the often negative connotations associated with the term "Dark Ages," this period was one of significant transformation and innovation in Greek art and identity.

Conclusion

• The Sub-Mycenaean, Protogeometric, and Geometric periods collectively represent a formative phase in Greek art and culture that laid the groundwork for the subsequent developments of Classical Greek art.

• Even amid economic and cultural challenges, these centuries facilitated a transition in art styles from monumental displays to more personalized, utilitarian objects that reflect the rise of individual identities and social complexities in ancient Greece.