ch 11 (HoGA)

Introduction to Greek Art Production

Greek art encompasses various forms including architecture, sculpture, pottery, and painting, which not only reflect the cultural and economic dynamics of ancient Greece but also the unique philosophies and religious beliefs of the time.

Timeline of Greek Art Production

• 800-700 BCE: Early pottery production marked by the creative genius of figures like the Dipylon Master, known for geometric patterns and early representations of human figures. Early ceramics provided valuable insights into the social life and customs of the period.

• 700-600 BCE: Development of distinct Protocorinthian and Protoattic pottery styles, characterized by the use of black-figure techniques and intricate decorations that revealed cultural exchanges with neighboring regions.

• 600-500 BCE: A flourishing of artistic styles including Corinthian black-figure and Attic black-figure pottery during this era, showcasing advancements in storytelling through imagery. The emergence of Attic red-figure pottery around 530 BCE allowed for greater detail and complexity in the depiction of human form compared to black-figure styles.

• 500-400 BCE: This century saw monumental architecture such as the Parthenon (447-432 BCE), a symbol of Athenian democracy and cultural prowess. Notable sculptural works by artists like Polykleitos, who systematized proportions in statues, showcased the Greek pursuit of ideal beauty and harmony.

• 400-300 BCE: Continued development of related artistic styles including Attic red-figure and Lucanian red-figure pottery. Significant architectural contributions include the Temple of Asklepios (370 BCE), which combined function with artistic expression through intricate sculptures and detailed friezes.

• 300-200 BCE: Ongoing production of Apulian red-figure and West Slope ware evidenced the spread of Greek art beyond its traditional borders, influencing local cultures throughout the Mediterranean.

• 200-1 BCE: Advances in sculptural techniques attributed to artists like Damophon, who innovated in the portrayal of emotion and movement in statuary, reflecting deeper philosophical inquiries into human experience and divine representation.

Production: Architecture

• Parthenon Significance: A product of the Athenian rebuilding program led by Perikles, it not only showcased advanced architectural techniques such as the use of optical illusions to enhance symmetry but also served as a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, signifying Athenian identity.

• Economics of Construction: The costs were notably high, funded significantly by Athenian silver mines and supported by the Delian Treasury. The construction of such grand structures required a well-organized workforce and substantial economic resources.

• Construction Phases: Detailed records from Epidauros illustrate a meticulous five-year construction process, emphasizing the complexities of labor organization, material acquisition, and design precision.

Cost Breakdown

• Labor Costs: Major expenses stemmed from labor-intensive processes, particularly quarrying, transporting, and finishing materials used in grand architectural projects.

• Economic Context: The Temple of Asklepios was a significant expenditure at about 23-24 talents, equivalent to approximately $34 million today, highlighting the financial weight such structures placed on city-states.

Notable Structures

• Epidauros Temple: Constructed of local limestone, this temple is smaller than the Parthenon but rich in decorative elements, built over five phases showcasing the evolution of architectural styles.

• Athenian Temples: Structures like the Hephaisteion and various temples on the Acropolis exemplified shifts in architectural style, innovative engineering, and the use of diverse materials reflecting the philosophical and artistic aspirations of the time.

Production: Architectural Sculpture

Architectural sculptures, integral to temple aesthetics, involved significant costs related to both materials and labor. Sculptures served not only decorative purposes but also embodied religious and political narratives.

• Marble Use: The choice of marble reflected higher costs associated with its laborious quarrying and transportation compared to limestone, emphasizing the value placed on artistic quality.

• Specific Costs: In Epidauros, detailed records illustrate expenditures aligned with labor costs; for example, payments of 4,300 Attic drachmas for pedimental figures reveal the economic investment in fine art.

• Quality Differentiation: Differentiation in wages for sculptors was common, reflecting the complexity of their work and the intricate nature of their designs, linking artistic dedication to socio-economic status.

Production: Pottery

• Widespread Utility: Pottery served essential functional and decorative purposes across various aspects of daily life, with simpler designs often associated with mass production and more intricate designs reserved for special occasions.

• Workshop Dynamics: Family-run workshops thrived, employing apprenticeship models where young learners gained skills by contributing to less intricate pieces, fostering a continuous cycle of craftsmanship.

• Pot Pricing: Evidence of graffiti on pottery suggests early price markers, indicating that the value of pottery varied based on decoration, craftsmanship, and practical use.

Market Relations

• Local vs. Export Markets: Insights into pottery value provide a glimpse into the broader economic landscape of ancient Greek society, where pots could fetch contemporary values of $300-$360, showing how art intersected with commerce.

• Artwork Distribution: Merchants played a critical role in pottery distribution, with significant markup on items sold outside Athens reflecting variations in market demand and artistic prestige.

Artists and Workshops

• Mobile Workforce: Artists often relocated for large projects, creating a dynamic workforce. Notable workshops, led by accomplished potters, attracted talented individuals from various regions, leading to innovative collaborations.

• Collaboration Among Artists: Historical evidence indicates that artists vied for contracts, resulting in competitive atmospheres that fostered schools of thought, particularly in regions such as Etruria, influencing local artistic styles.

• Civic Contributions: Wealthier artists often made significant civic donations, enhancing their social status and influencing city projects, intertwining art with civic responsibility.

Artistic Influence and Legacy

• Greek Sculptors: Renowned figures like Polykleitos and Praxiteles not only gained fame for their artistic achievements but also contributed to theoretical discourses on beauty and proportion, shaping the trajectory for generations of artists.

• Economic Considerations: The financial and social standing of artists fluctuated, particularly in response to public works and patronage shifts, leading to evolving perceptions of art, economic value, and cultural importance.

Conclusion: The Impact of Greek Art

This exploration of Greek art production, distribution, and its economic framework underscores its integral role in shaping ancient Greek society. Art reflected complex interactions among culture, economy, and artistry, leaving lasting legacies that continue to influence contemporary artistic practices.

References and Further Reading

Extensive literature exists on Greek art, its economics, and the status of artists, providing a rich context that helps frame current understanding of ancient civilizations and their creative expressions.