CH Midterm Study Guide

Artistic Works of the Archaic and Classical Periods (600s-500s BCE)

• Heavily influenced by surrounding cultures, particularly through:

  • Bronze images from the Mycenaean Period.

  • Minoan paintings depicting realistic human figures.

• Key artistic developments:

  • Contrapposto: An artistic stance representing movement, where weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a feeling of dynamism.

  • Wet Drapery: A technique that uses fabric to reveal the underlying figure while accentuating movement (clinging to the body).

• Examples of Artworks:

  • Kritos Boy (early 400s BCE)

    • Notable for its dynamic pose and emotional depth, with legs not aligning with the body to display movement.

  • Girl with Doves (mid-400s BCE)

    • Illustrates a relaxed, natural pose; the wet drapery technique enhances the expression of movement and form.

    • Features the subject wearing a Peplos.

Architectural Orders

• Corinthian Order:

  • A style characterized by capitals decorated with acanthus leaves.

  • Example: Temple of Olympian Zeus.

• Doric Order:

  • An earlier architectural framework defined by short, thick columns and plain capitals.

  • Example: Structures in Sicily from the 420s BCE.

• Iconic Order:

  • Originating in western Turkey, this style features volute capitals resembling scrolls.

• The Tetra Style incorporates male and female standing figures, known as Kouros (nude male) and Kore (clothed female).

Sculpture Characteristics

• Sculptures, often crafted from a single marble block, were common finds in tombs:

  • Head: Straight, arms by sides, fists clenched.

• Art style derived from Ancient Egyptian influences:

  • Early statues held a rigid Egyptian stance, typically painted for realism.

• Examples of Statues:

  • Kouros Example #2 (540s-530s BCE):

    • Similar rigid stance with sculptural representation evolving towards more rounded realism.

  • Peplos Kore (530 BCE):

    • Dressed in a Peplos, potential symbolism of Artemis through held arrows and bows.

  • Kritos Boy:

    • Depicts a slender male nude with a contrapposto stance, distinct from the earlier rigid forms, showcasing a shift in movement and emotional expressiveness.

The Hellenistic World (323-30 BCE)

• Definition: Refers to the evolution of Greek culture post-Alexander the Great's conquests, leading to a global spread of Greek influence.

• Changes in art during this period include:

  • Increased realism in statues, bodies and clothing reflecting actual imperfections and flaws.

  • Emotional portrayals intended to resonate with viewers, highlighting dynamic poses.

  • Longevity of Hellenistic art as many works were emulated by the Romans.

• Commissioning practices by Hellenistic monarchs and elite for private collection.

• Examples:

• Togatus Barberini: A Roman sculpture from the first century CE.

• Bronze Dancer (3rd or 2nd century BCE): Utilizes wet drapery to highlight the figure's form beneath clothing while expressing movement, despite the covered face.

• Laocoon and His Sons: Excavated in Rome, known for eliciting emotional response and depiction of agony.

• Cameos: Featured varied materials with intricacies showing bodies through the wet drapery technique.

• Farnese Cup: Demonstrates Hellenistic influence and decorative techniques.

Hellenistic Influence in Asia

• Spread of Hellenistic art into Central Asia and India leads to:

  • A fusion with local traditions and ideas, as seen in:

  • Sculpture of Krishna: Reflects amalgamation of Buddhist and Hellenistic artistic principles.

• Encounter with Buddhist monks resulted in:

  • Evolution of Buddhist iconography, like the earliest depictions of the Buddha.

  • Examples:

    • Birmaran Casket: One of the earliest records of Buddha as a singular entity.

    • Bronze Buddha: Signifying a significant shift in artistic traditions.

Propaganda of Octavian**

• Octavian (Augustus) ruled with a sense of personal ownership over the Roman state:

  • Invested his wealth into public infrastructure (roads, buildings, temples).

  • Used statues and art to reinforce his authority and presence.

• Recognized as the first emperor of Rome, ensuring stability and establishing the Principate.