Course Title: AHIS 321: Greek Art & Archaeology
Instructor: John Pollini, Professor of Classical Art & Archaeology
Copyright: © 2009
THE BIRTH OF GREEK ART
PAINTING
SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
THE ORIENTALIZING PERIOD
PAINTING
SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
ARCHAIC PERIOD
PAINTING (Parts I & II)
SCULPTURE (Parts I & II)
ARCHITECTURE (Parts I & II)
CLASSICAL PERIOD
PAINTING
SCULPTURE (Early and High Classical)
ARCHITECTURE (Parts I & II)
HELLENISTIC SCULPTURE
PORTRAITURE (Parts I, II & III)
PAINTING AND MOSAICS
ARCHITECTURE
Historical Sketch:
Proto-Greeks enter Greece c. 2000 B.C.
Mycenaean Empire (c. 1400-1200 B.C.): mainland Greece, islands.
Influence from Minoan art leads to Aegean art style.
Greek art signifies the collapse of Mycenaean civilization around 1000 B.C.
Causes of Collapse:
Possible Dorian invasions, internal decay, and invading sea peoples.
Transition to Iron Age reflects migration and unrest among Greek-speaking groups.
Period of Unrest: 1150-800 B.C.
Major migrations: Dorians, Aeolians, Ionians.
Common language and festivals arise despite local variations.
Geometric Period (c. 1150-800 B.C.): Characterized by geometric patterns in art.
Bronze Age:
Early Bronze: 3000-2000 B.C.
Middle Bronze: 2000-1600 B.C.
Late Bronze: 1600-1000 B.C.
Geometric Period: 1000-700 B.C.
Includes Proto-Geometric (1000-900 B.C.) and Full Geometric (900-700 B.C.).
Pottery as Chronological Reference: Shapes evolve across periods, major findings in Athens.
Fresco Techniques:
Buon fresco (true fresco) vs. fresco secco (dry fresco).
Major examples: Minoan bull-leaping fresco, Mycenaean frescoes at Pylos and Mycenae.
Characteristics:
Proto-Geometric amphorae and ornamentation techniques such as libation and dentil patterns.
Geometric amphorae depict funerary practices (prothesis and ekphora) and show horror vacui.
Aegean Heritage:
Cycladic figures, Minoan bronze art including the Snake Goddess and rhyta.
Mycenaean golden mask and monumental architecture like the Lion Gate of Mycenae.
Notable Artifacts:
Horse handle pyxis, bronze tripod cauldron handles, warrior figurines, and thematic representations of nobility (arete).
Key Structures:
Naos (temple as a whole), various temples honoring Hera and their architectural developments, including apsidal designs and post-Geometric iterations.
Historical Sketch:
Rise of Greek city-states through trade and colonization during the 8th century.
Contact with Eastern art influences from the Phoenician trade routes.
Expansion of Greek colonization in Ionia and elsewhere.
Techniques:
Black-figure technique primarily developed by Corinthian painters, leading to notable artifacts such as the Chigi Vase.
The proto-Attic phase marked by innovation in shape and decoration.
Terracotta Metopes:
Early painted terracotta metopes signify the growing art form in monumental architecture.
Significant Works:
Bronze cauldron handles and early structures dedicated to divinities show influences from contemporary Near Eastern cultures.
Artistic Characteristics:
Stiff forms of figures and recognizable themes dominate Bronze Age expressions of art from this period.
Key Examples:
Temple structures display advancements such as entrance gateways (propylon) and market places (agora).
Historical Overview:
Prosperity in Greece led to dynamic shifts in political power structures, notably in Athens.
Vase Painter Contributions:
Distinct vase style evolution marked by innovations such as the black-figure pottery styles consistent with key historical developments.
Innovations in Styles:
Transition from animal figures to human representations in notable pieces such as the Francois Vase and works by Exekias.
Artistic Flourishing:
Description of major works and influences reflect the complexities of the Athenian society through art.
Artistic Advancements:
The evolution of styles and themes reflects significant cultural shifts in representation through sculpture and pottery.
Introduction of Red-Figure Techniques:
Innovations in painting techniques lead to a revival in artistic expressions focusing on vibrant color use and thematic storytelling.
Notable Developments:
Bilingual vessels showcase the use of both black-figure and red-figure techniques in monumental pieces.
Significant Contributions:
Key developments in painting and sculpture reveal an ongoing refinement of techniques and themes over time, culminating in notable artifacts.
Key Artists:
Lazini-period artistic movements emphasize the sophistication and skill visible in free-standing and monumental sculptures.
Doric and Ionic Orders:
Discussion on structural style innovations that indicate a shift towards aesthetic preferences in building methods.
Notable Innovations:
Hellenistic sculptors emphasize individualism in portraiture with unique stylistic elements.
Growth of Civic Identity:
Interaction between art forms and civic ideologies demonstrates the relationship between culture and physical representation.
Diverse Developments:
Sculpture evolves to encompass dramatic themes, focusing on emotional resonance and realistic portrayals.
Interest in Genre Scenes:
Movement toward common life representations through sculpture and mosaics reflects societal changes and cultural innovation.
Architectural Integration:
Urban design elements complement Hellenistic art emerging in city landscapes throughout the Mediterranean region.
Key Contributions to Urban Design:
Notable architects and their projects illustrate the importance of visual and cultural cohesiveness in Hellenistic cities.