ch 9 (HoGA)

A History of Greek Art

Author: Mark D. Stansbury-O’DonnellPublication: © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Contents

• 209 Narrative

• 9 Timeline

Key Themes in Greek Art

• Narrative and artistic style: Greek art is deeply intertwined with storytelling, using visual narratives that reflect both mythic and historical themes.

• Time and space: Artists manipulate elements of time and spatial relationships to enhance narrative depth.

• Viewing context: The setting in which Greek art is displayed can transform its meaning, influencing how audiences engage with it.

• Art and literature: Greek art often complements literary texts, reflecting shared themes and narratives.

• Choice of mood and moment: Artists carefully select moments to capture in their work, shaping the emotional tone of the narrative.

• Symbolic and universal aspects of narrative: Greek narrative art utilizes symbols to convey broader cultural and universal themes, allowing for deeper interpretation.

Timeline Overview

Pottery and Sculpture Timeline

• 800-700 BCE:

  • MG II Skyphos from Eleusis, 770: This pottery piece reflects early geometric designs which laid the foundation for future artistic developments.

• 700-625/600 BCE:

  • Eleusis Amphora, 670-650: Known for its large size and detailed imagery of mythological scenes, demonstrating advanced storytelling in art.

  • Chigi Olpe, 650-640: Exhibits a transition toward more naturalistic representation with complex iconography.

• 625/600-480 BCE:

  • Siphnian Treasury, 530-525: Features exquisite relief sculptures with intricate narratives highlighting moments from mythology.

  • François Vase, 570: Renowned for its lavish decoration and elaborate narrative scenes, reflecting social practices and mythological stories.

• 480-400 BCE:

  • Temple of Zeus, 470-457: This monumental structure showcases sculptures that vividly illustrate mythological narratives, emphasizing the power of the gods.

  • Parthenon Frieze, 442-438: A masterpiece of classical architecture and sculpture, depicting the panathenaic procession—an essential cultural and religious event.

• 400-330 BCE:

  • Monument of Dexileos, 394/393: A notable example of funerary art capturing a heroic battle scene, merging narrative with commemoration.

• 330-30 BCE:

  • Great Altar of Zeus, 180-150: Celebrated for its dramatic reliefs that depict the Gigantomachy, symbolizing the victory of order over chaos.

Greek Narrative Art

• Narrative vs. Text: Greek narrative images often convey stories in a manner that complements, yet stands apart from, literary texts; they encapsulate events and emotions through visual means.

• Single Images: It is common for Greek art to portray a single event that invites viewers to engage with the broader narrative, fostering a participatory experience.

• Descriptive Power of Images: Enhanced by the ability to evoke memories and emotions, these visuals transcend language and cultural barriers, creating a universal dialogue.

• Challenges for Modern Viewers: The fragility of ancient narratives, often limited to fragmented literary accounts, necessitates a careful examination of surviving artifacts to construct potential interpretations.

• Shared Visual Language: Understanding the narratives depicted requires familiarity with mythological references and iconography, which may not be immediately apparent without scholarly study.

Narrative and Artistic Style

• Pictorial Narratives Defined: Greek art depicts actions and scenes that reveal transformative experiences, making effective use of mythological themes to convey complex stories like the Gigantomachy—a metaphor for the struggle between civilization and chaos.

• Complex Composition: The evolution in composition from Geometric to Archaic periods reflects significant changes in clarity and emotional resonance, enhancing narrative delivery.

• Symbolic Representation: The recognizability of mythological figures within art helps viewers grasp the essence of stories, preserving the context despite possible losses in textual elaboration.

Artistic Techniques in Narrative

• Naturalism: Artistic advancements led to increased lifelike representations, bridging the gap between myth and reality, inviting viewers to connect emotionally with the subject.

• Time and Space: Artists cleverly arranged visual elements to suggest different moments within a single scene, allowing viewers to engage with the narrative dynamically.

• Synoptic and Progressive Narratives: Diverse artistic approaches distinguish between snapshots of action and intricate narratives unfolding over time, broadening the scope of storytelling in visual art.

Viewing Context and Interaction

• Physical Relationship of Viewer and Art: The location and mode of viewing are crucial in shaping the interpretation of art, as seen with drinking vessels (kylixes) designed for social engagement during symposia, where interaction added layers of meaning.

• Emotional Connection: Objects created for practical use, such as cups, elicit emotional responses and evoke rituals, revealing deeper cultural significance beyond mere aesthetics.

Intersection of Art and Literature

• Cultural Contexts: Greek narrative art serves as a visual commentary on societal norms, rituals, and historical events, offering an enriched understanding of the cultural milieu.

• Use of Existing Storylines: Artists often adapted well-known tales rather than crafting entirely new narratives, which reflects the collaborative relationship between art and history, tradition, and innovation.

Conclusion: Symbolism in Greek Narrative

• Historical Reflections: Artists often utilized mythological themes to symbolize broader cultural experiences, creating a visual narrative that resonates with collective memory.

• Heroic Idealization: Artistic depictions frequently aimed to immortalize heroism, navigating the tension between temporality and the enduring legacy within Greek cultural consciousness and memory.