Notes on Classical Sculpture and Architecture

Transition from Archaic to Classical Era

• Shift from marble to bronze sculptures during this period.

High Classical Period (ca. 450 BCE)

• Characterized as the 'high possible style' of sculpture.
• The emphasis is on proportion and symmetry reflecting Greek ideals of beauty.
• Polyclitus of Argos, a pivotal sculptor of this time.

Polyclitus & The Canon

• Created the famous statue known as the Doryphoros (Spear Bearer).
• Authored a treatise titled The Canon, now mostly lost, which was used to teach sculpting.

Proportionality in Sculpture

• Doryphoros features a 7:1 head to body ratio, a representation of perfect symmetry in Greek sculpture and architecture.
• This attention to proportion equates to Greek notions of cosmic order.

Surviving Works and Copies

• The original bronze of Doryphoros is known only from numerous Roman copies (over 50 have survived).
• The deeper meaning of the sculptures is tied to the identification of figures based on context and attendant symbols.

Features of Doryphoros

• The downturned eyes symbolize modesty, a common feature in High Classical style.
• The long stance indicates a frozen moment, blending notions of motion and stillness, particularly in the contraction of the musculature.

Hallmarks of Classical Sculpture

• Tense versus relaxed forms; Polyclitus exemplifies muscular tension coexisting with relaxation, imparting a sense of dynamism
• Each form is meticulously symbiotic, reflecting the idea that every component is in harmony within the whole.

Achilles and the Doryphoros

• Although damaged, it reflects movement, close observations on pose suggest motion about to spring.
• Bronze sculpture recreates effects achieved in living human forms, culminating in a high standard of anatomical accuracy.

The Role of the Acropolis

• Post-Persian Wars, the Greeks opted to leave ruined temples intact as a reminder of conquest.
• The fortifications of the Acropolis were reconstructed using ancient temple materials, creating a dialogue between past and present.
• Architectural remnants evoke memory of historical contexts and maintain cultural memory among the Athenians, symbolizing resilience and community strength.

Athenian Assembly & Delian League

• Following conflict with the Persians, Greek city-states allied under Athens through the Delian League—financially supporting war efforts against the Persians.
• Athens led the league and used funds for its own imperial growth.

Parthenon

Overview

• Built between 447 and 432 BCE; a temple dedicated to Athena, the Virgin.
• Architects: Ictinus and Callicrates; sculpture by Phidias.

Dimensions and Design

• Measures 30.9 by 69.5 meters; a Doric temple with Ionic features.
• Features an entablature, curved columns, and specific refinements to correct visual distortions.

Sculptural Program of the Parthenon

• Includes pedimental sculptures, metopes, and friezes depicting elaborate mythological scenes, emphasizing victory, transformation, and cultural memory.
• East pediments show gods, including Athena, with symbolic representations of Athenian identity and values.

Erectheion

• Unique design influenced by topography and sacred sites; features the Porch of the Maidens with Caryatids symbolizing connectivity to Athens' past.

Summary of Key Themes

• Advanced understanding of human proportion and aesthetics reflected in sculptures.
• Architectural strategies exhibited through grand projects on the Acropolis represent enduring cultural narratives that shape Athenian identity and memory.
• The art and architecture of this period articulate civic pride, social memory, and mythological representation that continue to influence later artistic expressions.
• Representation of life integral to Athenian culture through symposiums, communal events, and democratic gatherings, reinforcing collective identity within the sociopolitical landscape.

Conclusion

• Architectural and sculptural innovations of the Athenian Acropolis stand as a testament to artistry, civic achievement, and historical resilience, serving as reminders of Athens' cultural heritage.