CH 5 Vocab

Geometric and Orientalizing Periods (c. 900-600 BCE)

1. Geometric Patterns: Complex decorative motifs based on geometric shapes like meanders (maze-like patterns), zigzags, and triangles. Common in pottery and early sculptures.

2. Meander: Also known as the Greek key pattern, this continuous line design is a hallmark of Greek geometric decoration.

3. Krater: A large vessel used for mixing water and wine, often used as grave markers in the Geometric period, like the Dipylon Krater.

4. Amphora: A two-handled vase used for storage and transportation of goods, often decorated with narrative scenes.

5. Black-Figure Technique: A pottery painting style where figures are painted in black slip on red clay, then detailed with incised lines.

6. Orientalizing Influence: The incorporation of Eastern motifs like sphinxes, griffins, and floral patterns into Greek art due to increased trade with the Near East.

Archaic Period (c. 600-480 BCE)

1. Kouros (pl. Kouroi): Archaic Greek statues of young men, standing nude in a rigid, frontal pose with a characteristic "Archaic smile."

2. Kore (pl. Korai): Statues of young women, clothed in elaborate garments, often holding offerings. The Peplos Kore is a notable example.

3. Archaic Smile: The slight, closed-lip smile seen on many Archaic sculptures, intended to animate the figure and indicate a sense of well-being.

4. Polychromy: The practice of painting sculptures in vibrant colors, common in Archaic and Classical Greek art but lost over time.

5. Caryatid: A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support, replacing a column or pillar, famously seen on the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens.

6. Doric Order: The simplest of the three classical Greek architectural orders, characterized by sturdy, fluted columns with plain capitals and no base.

7. Ionic Order: An architectural style distinguished by slender, fluted columns with scrolled capitals (volutes) and a base.

8. Red-Figure Technique: An evolution of the black-figure style where red figures are left in the natural color of the clay, and the background is painted black, allowing for greater detail in the depiction of human anatomy and movement.

Classical Period (c. 480-323 BCE)

1. Contrapposto: An asymmetrical stance in sculpture where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a more naturalistic and relaxed pose, as seen in the Kritios Boy.

2. Canon of Proportions: A set of ideal mathematical ratios in art developed by Polykleitos, exemplified in his sculpture Doryphoros.

3. Chryselephantine: A sculptural technique that combines gold (chrysos) and ivory (elephantinos), used in large-scale statues like Phidias' Athena Parthenos.

4. Frieze: A horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, often found above the columns in a temple. The Parthenon frieze is a famous example, depicting the Panathenaic procession.

5. Metope: The square space between triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often decorated with relief sculpture.

6. Pediment: The triangular upper part of a classical building, often decorated with sculptural reliefs, such as those on the Parthenon depicting mythological scenes.

7. Acropolis: A fortified hilltop in ancient Greek cities, with the most famous being in Athens, home to the Parthenon and other significant structures.

8. Agora: The public open space used for assemblies and markets in ancient Greek cities, integral to civic life.

Hellenistic Period (c. 323-30 BCE)

1. Pathos: The quality of art that evokes emotions, especially in Hellenistic sculpture, which often depicts intense expressions of suffering or triumph, as seen in the Laocoön Group.

2. Dramatic Realism: A characteristic of Hellenistic art where figures are shown in dynamic, often contorted poses, emphasizing emotional and physical intensity.

3. Gigantomachy: A mythological battle between gods and giants, frequently depicted in Hellenistic art and architecture, such as on the Altar of Pergamon.

4. Pergamene Style: An expressive, dynamic style of sculpture originating in Pergamon during the Hellenistic period, characterized by dramatic movement and intense expressions.

5. Nike (Victory): The Greek goddess of victory, often depicted in Hellenistic sculptures like the Nike of Samothrace, celebrating triumphs and achievements.

6. Hellenistic Baroque: A term used to describe the highly dramatic, emotionally charged style of Hellenistic art, emphasizing theatricality and movement.

Additional Architectural Terms

1. Stylobate: The top step of the temple platform on which columns stand.

2. Peristyle: A continuous porch of columns surrounding a building or courtyard, as seen in the layout of many Greek temples.

3. Entasis: A slight curve in columns to correct the optical illusion of concavity. This technique was commonly used in the Parthenon's Doric columns.

4. Volute: The spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic capitals.

5. Cella (or Naos): The inner chamber of a Greek temple, housing the cult statue.

Philosophical and Cultural Concepts

1. Humanism: A central philosophy in Greek art, focusing on the human experience, potential, and the idealized form of the human body.

2. Idealism: The representation of subjects in their perfect form, rather than a realistic or flawed portrayal. This is evident in Classical sculpture, which often depicts the human body in its most idealized, balanced form.

3. Naturalism: The depiction of realistic objects in a natural setting, an approach that developed significantly during the Classical period and became highly expressive in the Hellenistic period.

4. Heroic Nudity: The portrayal of gods, athletes, and warriors in the nude, symbolizing idealized beauty, strength, and moral virtue.