ch 12 (HoGA)

A History of Greek Art Overview

Author: Mark D. Stansbury-O’DonnellPublished by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Focus: Fourth Century BCE to c. 330 BCE

Timeline of Major Events and Artworks (400–325 BCE)

400-375 BCE:

• Dexileos Monument (Athens, 394/393 BCE): Commemorates the Athenian cavalryman Dexileos, showcasing late classical style with a focus on heroic individuality.

• Early Apulian Painting: Development of distinctive pottery styles in Southern Italy, influenced by Greek artistic traditions, featuring elaborate scenes and bright colors.

395-386 BCE:

• Corinthian War: A significant conflict involving an alliance of Athens, Thebes, and Corinth against Sparta, which prompted shifts in political power and cultural alliances in the Greek world.

386 BCE:

• Plato founds the Academy: This institution becomes a pivotal foundation for Western philosophy and educational practices, emphasizing critical thought and engaging in discussions on ethics, politics, and art.

375-350 BCE:

• Temple of Asklepios (Epidauros, built 375-370 BCE): A major sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing, it contains architecturally innovative features, integrating local limestone with intricate sculptural elements.

• Thymele (circular tholos) at Epidauros (360-330 BCE): This circular structure serves as a symbolic representation of Asklepios's tomb, showcasing advancements in circular architectural design and religious significance.

• Reconstruction of Temple of Apollo at Delphi: This reflects the continued importance of Delphi as a cultural and religious sanctuary, reinforcing Greek identity and artistic style in sacred spaces.

370 BCE:

• Pediments and acroteria from Temple of Asklepios: Notable sculptures portray dynamic movement and emotion, significant in revealing the artistic transition towards Hellenistic realism.

360-350 BCE:

• Mausoleion at Halikarnassos constructed: This monumental tomb, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, illustrates the personal expression in funerary art and sets a precedent for later monumental architecture.

359-336 BCE:

• Reign of Philip II of Macedon: A transformative period leading to the unification of Greece under Macedonian rule, with significant implications for art and culture, shifting the center of influence from Athens.

336 BCE:

• Assassination of Philip II: Marked a critical moment in Greek history, paving the way for Alexander the Great's expansion and the cultural diffusion that followed.

• Reign of Alexander the Great begins: His conquests facilitate the spread of Greek culture and artistic styles across the known world, leading to what we now recognize as Hellenistic art.

• Founding of Alexandria, Egypt: A center of learning and culture that combines Greek, Egyptian, and other influences, establishing important artistic and architectural innovations.

Contextual Overview of the Fourth Century

Political Changes:

• End of the Peloponnesian War (404 BCE): Resulted in a fracturing of alliances and a temporary oligarchic rule in Athens, which eventually saw the reinstatement of democracy by 391 BCE, impacting the artistic expression of freedom and individuality.

• Rise of Macedon under Philip II: Introduced a new political dynamic in Greece, centralizing power and fostering arts patronage that emphasized individual achievement.

Cultural Shifts:

• Shift from a focus on community (polis) to individualism: Art began to reflect personal identity, achievements, and emotions rather than solely civic pride, showcasing a profound change in societal values.

• Arising schools of philosophy: Cynics emphasized living in accordance with nature and the rejection of societal norms, while Stoics sought to achieve virtue through reason, influencing artistic themes.

Artistic Developments:

• Increased individuality in art: Artists began exploring personal expression, emotional depth, and the portrayal of real human experiences, moving away from idealization prevalent in earlier works.

• Greater emphasis on emotion and realism: Artistic representations became more lifelike and expressive, indicating a departure from the rigidness of earlier classical forms.

Architectural Developments

Epidauros:

• Significance as a sanctuary for Asklepios: The site highlights the intersection of health, religion, and art, featuring architectural innovations that enhanced visitor experiences through thoughtful spatial design.

• Temple of Asklepios: Constructed in the 370s, it melds Doric and Corinthian columns with rich decorative elements, further symbolizing the convergence of traditional and emerging styles in Greek architecture.

• Thymele: Completed c. 360 BCE, symbolizes not only religious significance but also advances in architectural construction techniques and aesthetics.

• Theater of Epidauros: A signature structure designed by Polykleitos the Younger, characterized by its exceptional acoustics and audience engagement, becoming a model for future theaters.

Sculpture and Innovations

Individual Monuments:

• Notable examples, such as the Mausoleion of Mausolos and the Choreagic Monument of Lysikrates, emphasize a shift towards memorials that celebrate individual contributions and artistry.

Emergence of Renowned Sculptors:

• Artists like Skopas, Praxiteles, and Lysippos introduced innovative techniques that emphasized differences in human forms and emotions, focusing on realism and personal expression.

• Examples of Key Works: The Antikythera Youth is a hallmark of this era, representing an original bronze figurine that exemplifies individual realism from the fourth century. Praxiteles's Aphrodite of Knidos revolutionizes female representation in art by presenting nudity in a context of beauty and divinity.

Pottery Trends

Decline of Athenian Red-Figure Pottery:

• Witnessed a significant decrease in quality and output due to changes in artistic priorities, as more regional styles began to dominate.

Regional Developments:

• The rise of Apulian, Lucanian, and Campanian pottery styles characterized by rich colors and elaborate scenes that reflect local narratives as opposed to Athenian styles.

Mosaic and Fresco Innovations

• The fourth century saw developments in mosaic as a primary decorative medium, employed for intricate floor designs in public and private spaces.

• Frescoes from royal tombs at Vergina epitomize detailed narrative compositions with an emphasis on movement and emotion, showcasing the technical artistry of the time.

Textbox: Copy Hypothesis

• A hypothesis posits that many artworks discussed are believed to be Roman copies of Greek originals, prompting inquiries into the transmission and interpretation of artistic styles across time, influencing both Roman and later Western art traditions.

References and Further Reading

• A concise list of significant scholarly references related to Greek art, encompassing discussions on various styles, cross-cultural influences, and key contributors within the context of this period, aiding continued exploration into the evolution of art in ancient Greece.