classical greek art

Introduction to Classical Greek Art

  • Focus on the height of Greek art and culture during the Classical period.

  • Three concepts associated with this period:

    • Humanism: Emphasis on human experience; even gods depicted as human.

    • Rationalism: Prioritization of reason over emotion; architecture and sculpture centered on harmony and balance.

    • Idealism: Belief in ideal beauty; art and architecture balancing realism with idealism.

The Acropolis in Athens

  • Structure of Athens: built around the Neolithic Acropolis.

  • Importance: Center of military and artistic activity.

  • Historical context: Sacked by Persians in April, later rebuilt with Spartan assistance.

  • Major figures:

    • Pericles: Influential military general and leader overseeing the reconstruction.

    • Architects: Ictinus and Callicrates.

    • Sculptor: Phidias, directed the sculpture program.

  • Dedication: Acropolis dedicated to Athena, the city's protector.

  • Key Features:

    • Propylaea: Gateway structure for visitors.

    • Panathenaea: Annual festival celebrating Athena with processions and offerings.

The Parthenon

  • Definition: Main temple on the Acropolis, dedicated to Athena Parthenos (maiden).

  • Size and Structure:

    • Largest known temple surviving today.

    • Used approximately 22,000 tons of marble; decorated with metopes, pediments, and friezes.

  • Architectural Features:

    • Combination of Doric (exterior) and Ionic (interior) orders.

    • Unique aspects: continuous frieze over 500 feet long.

    • Design celebrated for harmonious proportions based on mathematical principles and optical corrections.

    • Details: Slight upward curvature of horizontal lines, column swelling, and inward lean to create visual harmony.

Historical and Cultural Impact of the Parthenon

  • Dynamic history:

    • It served as a temple for over a thousand years, later converted into a church and mosque.

    • Featured significant damage during conflicts, including bombardment in the 17th century.

    • The Elgin Marbles: Acquired by Thomas Bruce and displayed in London, ongoing restitution discussions.

  • Major work within the temple:

    • Statue of Athena Parthenos (38 feet tall); crafted from gold and ivory.

    • Replica exists in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Reliefs and sculptures:

    • Battle scenes depicted in exterior metopes; example: Lapith fighting a Centaur.

    • Celebrated for classical balance and realism.

Sculpture and Pediment Details

  • East Pediment: Depicts the birth of Athena; figures include Zeus, Hera, and other deities.

  • Figures' Postures: Unified in design yet varying in posture to match architectural slope; emphasis on naturalism and drapery.

  • Continuous Frieze: Illustrates the Greeks overcoming barbarism; includes scenes of dignitaries and deities.

  • Theories of representation: festival processions vs. mythological events.

  • Original paintings on sculptures: vibrant colors detailed in original work with paint variations.

Smaller Temples on the Acropolis

  • Temple of Athena Nike: Dedicated to victory, featuring relief depicting Athena adjusting her sandal, showcasing elegance and the wet drapery technique.

  • Erechtheion: Uniquely designed temple established on uneven terrain; associated with the contest between Athena and Poseidon for city patronage.

    • Architectural style varies with beautiful Ionic columns and Caryatid porch (supporting pillars shaped as maidens).

Acropolis Museum and Repatriation Issues

  • Opened in 2009 to house sculptures from the Acropolis; architectural debates surrounding construction and cultural significance.

  • Exhibit designed to connect original works with their historic site.

  • Ongoing debates regarding the Elgin Marbles and cultural ownership.

  • Framework for discussion on cultural property and repatriation involving different cultures, particularly in relation to African art.*

The Agora

  • Role of the Agora: Civic, social, and commercial center of Athens.

  • Functions evolved from a marketplace to include temples, administrative buildings, and recreational spaces.

  • The Panathenaic Way: Major walkway for Athens citizens leading toward the Acropolis.

Example of Classical Greek Sculpture: Riace Warriors

  • Riace Warrior A: Discovered in the sea, showcasing detailed craftsmanship; represents idealized realism in sculpture.

    • Features unique inlay work with bone, glass, and metals.

  • Comparison with earlier works shows progression toward naturalism and contrapposto.

Polyklitus and the Canon of Proportions

  • Doryphorus (Spear Bearer): Sculpture demonstrating idealized male form according to Polykleitos’ standards.

    • Influence on Renaissance masters from its emphasis on harmonious proportion and moral beauty principles.

  • Excerpts from The Canon of Polyclitus:

    • Identifies ideal human proportions; emphasis on numerical harmony (head as \frac{1}{7} of total height).

Female Representation in Art

  • Women in sculpture primarily represented in grave stele, such as Stele of Hageso and a child with doves.

  • Art emphasizes quiet domestic scenes, with women depicted in traditional roles.

Development of Vase Painting Techniques

  • Red Figure vs. Black Figure Techniques:

    • Red figure (dominant) provides more fluid representation of forms.

    • Black figure (earlier) relies on linearity and stylization.

  • Notable examples include the Neobig Crater illustrating mythological themes and the playful scenes of satyrs on Icther vases.

  • Study of vase painting reveals much about Greek culture and interaction in daily life.