ch 6 (HoGA)

Overview of the Seventh Century (c. 725/700–625/600 BCE)

The Seventh Century is sometimes referred to as the Orientalizing period due to the substantial increase in interactions between Greece and various cultures from the eastern Mediterranean, particularly with regions such as Asia Minor, the Levant, and Egypt. This era is crucial as it marks a transitional phase in Greek art, showcasing a shift towards greater naturalism in the depiction of human and animal figures compared to the preceding geometric styles.

As Greek artists engage with foreign influences, new subjects and narrative styles begin to emerge. They experiment with diverse materials (such as marble and terracotta), shapes, and techniques, leading to artworks that reflect a blend of local traditions and external influences. Objects produced during this period exhibit marked characteristics of imitation, originality, and adaptation, evoking discussions on the artistic processes and cultural exchanges that define this transformative time in Greek history.

Timeline of Events and Artworks (725–600 BCE)

Key Dates and Events

• 725–700 BCE:

  • The Protocorinthian Evelyn Painter creates an aryballos, one of the earliest known examples of Greek pottery.

  • The founding of key colonies such as Syracuse (Siracusa) and Taras (Taranto) spurs colonization and trade across the Mediterranean.

• 700–675 BCE:

  • Notable works such as the production of the Mantiklos Apollo, a significant bronze statue with intricate details, and the construction of the Temple of Hera 1b at Samos showcase advancements in sculpture and architecture.

• 675–650 BCE:

  • The Mykonos relief pithos and various forms of Protocorinthian pottery emerge, reflecting innovative decorative techniques and storytelling in art.

  • The reign of Psammetichos in Egypt is noted for promoting trade and cultural exchanges between Greeks and Egyptians, particularly through the founding of Naukratis, an important trading port.

• 651–625 BCE:

  • The founding of Selinus, with notable temple constructions such as Temple of Hera 2 at Samos, enhances architectural achievements and religious practices of the period.

Artistic Developments

Sculpture

• Noteworthy pieces from this era include the Ivory group of hero with lion (c. 700–650 BCE), which epitomizes lifelike proportions and increasingly naturalistic details. Significant artistic elements feature jointed fingers and knees, detailed clothing, and a more rounded facial structure compared to earlier representations.

• The Nikandre’s kore (c. 650–625 BCE) is a monumental achievement recognized for its grand scale and extensive use of marble, representing a pivotal shift in the preferred materials for Greek sculpture. The statue illustrates a distinct Daedalic style, evident in its flattened cranium and simplified triangular facial structure, contributing to a sense of formality and gravitas in artistic representation.

Pottery

• Greek pottery evolves to reflect new artistic techniques, notably the adoption of black-figure painting, which allows for intricate depictions of mythological and everyday scenes. The incorporation of intricate decorative motifs is heavily influenced by Eastern art traditions, showcasing a fusion of styles and allowing for a broader narrative scope in the artworks produced.

• The emergence of the Protocorinthian aryballos and related pottery forms demonstrates the evolution in the design of pottery, combining new shapes and decoration techniques that highlight a blend of local traditions and Eastern influences.

Architectural Innovations

• The construction of temples such as the Heraion at Samos represents significant advancements in architectural design. These structures utilized a wooden peristyle that surrounded monumental stone elements, marking both a functional and aesthetic evolution in Greek architecture.

• Notable innovations include the introduction of ashlar masonry in Temple 2, enhancing the durability, structural integrity, and visual appeal of temples. The construction of sanctuaries during this period extends beyond religious purposes, serving as cultural hubs for exchanges between various Greek city-states, reinforcing social ties and shared identities.

Cultural Interactions and Trade

• The Greek colonization movement during the Seventh Century significantly contributes to the establishment of trade routes that facilitate the exchange not only of goods but also of ideas, philosophies, and artistic expressions. This period is marked by the burgeoning of Greek culture influenced by various Eastern artistic trends and motifs.

• Artistic influences from Egyptian and Near Eastern motifs lead to a hybridization of styles, evident in the form of sculptures, pottery, and architectural designs. Greek artists adeptly adapt and incorporate foreign artistic traditions, reshaping them to align with local narratives and cultural identities, thus enriching both domestic and international markets.

Influence of Other Cultures

• Interactions between Greek and Egyptian art are particularly emphasized, revealing both adoption and adaptation in styles and subjects. This interchange highlights the complexities of cultural exchanges that permeate art, reflecting not just influence but also a robust dialogue between different artistic traditions.

• The evidence of trade and aesthetic exchanges between Greek cities, their colonies, and other cultures underscores the interconnectedness of this period, as Greeks assimilated and reinterpreted various elements from their eastern counterparts to enhance their artistic language.

Conclusion

The Seventh Century represents a transformative period in Greek art, characterized by a heightened spirit of experimentation and adaptation. The dynamic interplay between local and foreign influences leads to remarkable advancements in artistic techniques, themes, and materials. This era is foundational, paving the way for future developments in Greek art and setting the stage for the flourishing of Classical art in subsequent centuries.