In-Depth Notes on 4th Century BC Sculpture

Sculpture of the 4th Century BC: The Opening of New Horizons
  • Rediscovery of massiveness and simplicity in Greek sculpture.
  • Development of new marble carving techniques in the 5th century BC:
    • Artists invented formulae for movement, transparency, and modeling.
    • 4th-century artists appreciated these techniques but sought new directions to retain freshness.
Artistic Comparisons Between the 5th and 4th Centuries BC
  • Nike of Paionios (about 420 BC):
    • A masterpiece that emphasized movement.
    • Located high on a triangular pillar, suggesting her descent from the heavens.
    • Billowy drapery created drama and impact, using linear formal devices like motion lines.
  • Acroterion from the temple of Asklepios (beginning of the 4th century BC):
    • Shift towards bold mass depiction.
    • Substantial drapery less important than body volumes.
    • Twisting pose adds complexity in spatial relationships.
Shift Towards Simplicity and Naturalism
  • Contrast between late 5th and early 4th-century female figures:
    • Late 5th-century figures: elaborate, artificial drapery.
    • Early 4th-century figures: simple, natural folds, with examples like the Eirene (Peace) statue (375 BC).
    • Eirene embodies an idea: "Peace nurturing Wealth".
New Intellectual Developments in Sculpture
  • Eirene by Kephisodotos: Nurturing relationship with Ploutos (Wealth).
  • Humanization of divine figures and exploration of human emotions became significant.
  • Philosophical contexts influenced artistic representations.
Praxiteles: A Major 4th Century Sculptor
  • Hermes with infant Dionysus (mid-4th century BC):
    • Demonstrated softness of flesh using marble.
    • The figure of Hermes is slender and indolent.
  • Aphrodite of Knidos:
    • First large-scale female nude.
    • Represents sensuousness and balance through contrapposto.
    • Nudity explained by the preparation for bath, contrasting drapery with living form.
Emotional Exploration in Art
  • Skopas: Master of passion in sculpture.
    • Raging Maenad: Dramatizes emotion through posture and expression.
  • Emotional intensity reflected in funerary reliefs:
    • Grave stele from the Piraeus: Shift towards a more poignant, deeper emotional depiction.
Artistic Diversity in the Mid-4th Century BC
  • Notable works beyond Praxiteles and Skopas:
    • Apollo Belvedere: Graceful, dynamic representation.
    • Contrast with earlier static forms like the Apollo at Olympia.
    • Emphasis on character and individuality became focal points.
  • Apoxyomenos by Lysippos:
    • Represented an athlete scraping oil off, embodying radical naturalism.
    • Shift from idealized beauty to individualized character portrayal.
Lysippos: A Revolutionary Sculptor
  • Changes in proportions and poses:
    • Tall, slender figures; poses that welcome viewer interaction.
  • Unique portrayals of heroes, like Herakles in mundane activities to convey humanity.
  • Innovations in spatial complexity and the interpretation of character.
Sokrates Portrait by Lysippos
  • Imaginary portrait that reflects the philosopher's character more than physical likeness.
  • Vibrant expressions of intellect, humor, and character in sculpture.
Innovations Reflected in Different Media
  • Herakles statue: A blend of strength and humanity, showcasing the hero's labor and exhaustion.
  • Greek art brought forth emotional depth and technical proficiency, providing a bridge of relatability to the audience.