Study Notes on Early Greek Art

Early Greek Art Overview

  • Focus on gods and myths of early Greek Art.

Key Elements of Art

  • Form: Shape and structure of artwork.

  • Material: Composition of the art (e.g., bronze).

  • Technique: Methods used in creation (e.g., casting).

  • Color: Use of pigments or materials.

  • Scale: Size of the artwork (miniature vs. monumental).

  • Subject Matter: Themes represented (e.g., mythological figures).

Historical Context

  • Influence of myth, history, and archaeology in understanding art.

  • Key events: Trojan War, discovery of Mycenae and Troy.

  • Mycenaean architecture: fortified palaces and tholos tombs.

  • Minoan contributions: gold and ivory artifacts.

Greek World (900-300 BCE)

  • Geographical focus: Aegean Sea, mainland Greece, Cyclades, Crete, and Rhodes.

  • City-states (polis): independent governance and shared identity as Hellenes.

Shared Identity Among Greeks

  • Unity against common enemies despite internal conflicts.

  • Concept of Barbaros for non-Greeks.

Cultural and Artistic Innovations

  • Artistic styles from Dorians (west) and Ionians (east).

  • Important city-states: Athens, Sparta, Corinth. Religious sites like Mount Olympus and Delphi.

Development of Greek Art

  • Geometric Period: 900-700 BCE, characterized by specific styles and burial goods.

  • Influences from Egypt noted in stature and poses of sculptures.

Funerary Practices

  • Prothesis: Body laying service.

  • Ekphora: Funeral procession to tombs.

  • Grave markers and associated goods: amphorae, statues.

Artistic Styles

  • Geometric style: patterns and animal representations.

  • Daedalic style: characterized by triangular features in sculpture.

  • Archaic period (600-480 BCE): Kouros and Kore figures significant in art history.

Greek Deities and Attributes

  • Major Gods: Zeus (king, thunderbolt), Poseidon (sea, trident), Apollo (music, lyre).

  • Major Goddesses: Hera (marriage), Athena (wisdom), Aphrodite (love).

  • Attributes signify their identities, used in art representation.

Conclusion

  • Greek art reflects cultural values, religious beliefs, and social practices.

  • Art serves as a historical document, showcasing evolution through periods and styles.