ch 5 (HoGA)

A History of Greek Art

Author: Mark D. Stansbury-O’DonnellFirst Edition 2015, Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Table of Contents

• Contexts I: Civic, Domestic, and Funerary

• Timeline

• Civic spaces, Domestic spaces, Funerary contexts

• Key Elements:

  • The Agora

  • Houses and Domestic Spaces

  • Symbolism and Agency

  • Further Reading

Civic, Domestic, and Funerary Contexts

Greek art serves various critical purposes within society, reflecting cultural, religious, and social beliefs, including:

• Grave goods and markers: Items placed with the dead to ensure comfort in the afterlife.

• Votive offerings: Dedications in sanctuaries to deities, representing devotion and gratitude.

• Wedding gifts: Artifacts exchanged during marriages to symbolize union.

• Symbolism in Art: Artworks often embodied complex narratives and depicted gods, heroes, and mythological events.

• Examples:

  • The Dipylon amphora served not only as a funerary marker but also illustrated the evolution of Greek pottery from geometric patterns to more intricate narrative scenes.

  • Jewelry was often repurposed as grave goods, indicating the individual's status and their familial or societal connections.

Four Major Contexts for Greek Art

1. Sanctuaries: Sacred spaces dedicated to the worship of deities, including famous sites like Delphi and Olympia.

2. Civic Spaces (Agora): The hub of public life in a city, where politics, commerce, and social interaction occurred.

3. Domestic Spaces: Homes that varied significantly in size and layout, indicative of wealth and social status.

4. Graves and Cemeteries: Important sites for artistic expression and societal values regarding death.

City and Its Spaces

The expansion of Greek towns during the Geometric period reflected population growth and urban planning principles that prioritized functionality and security.

Example: Zagora:

• Houses were clustered with common walls for defense, creating asymmetrical layouts conducive to community living, and enhancing the sense of collective security.

• Defensive walls defined the city boundaries, indicative of the importance of protection against external threats.

• These towns functioned as centers for markets, civic gatherings (Agora), and religious altars, facilitating social and economic interactions.

Agora - The Center of Civic Life

The Agora served multiple functions, acting as:

• An open area for markets and governmental activities, crucial for trade and civic engagement.

• Housing temples, shrines, and altars, signifying the intertwining of civic life and religion.

Description of Athenian Agora:

• Distinguished by the Temple of Hephaistos, one of the best-preserved structures, and the renowned Panathenaic Way, a ceremonial road leading into the city.

• The Agora's historical significance cannot be overstated; it was the stage for public gatherings, political discourse, and social events throughout Athenian history.

Architectural Developments

Surrounding structures of the Agora included:

• Stoas: Colonnaded structures that provided shelter for civic activities and gatherings, enhancing the usability of public spaces.

• Notable buildings:

  • Hephaisteion: A joint temple honoring Hephaistos and Athena, showcasing advancements in temple architecture.

  • Tholos: A circular building serving as a dining hall for the council, emphasizing the communal and political life of the city.

By the fourth century, the basic division of city areas into sanctuaries, civic spaces, and housing persisted, reflecting a structured urban environment.

Houses and Domestic Spaces

Greek houses, often plain and less documented than public spaces, varied in complexity:

Typical House Layout:

• Often organized around a courtyard, providing a central space for daily life.

• Main types:

  • Pastas-type: Featured a long porch leading to the courtyard.

  • Prostas-type: Smaller with a porch but without columns, reflecting simplicity.

  • Peristyle-type: Distinguished by columns surrounding the courtyard, signifying wealth and status.

• Daily life artifacts: Include loom weights, indicating the significance of weaving, and utilitarian pottery, essential for household tasks.

The Symposion

A critical aspect of social life in ancient Greece, the symposion was a male-dominated event characterized by:

• Dining and drinking in the andron (men's room), where societal and philosophical discussions took place.

• Participants reclined on klinai couches, emphasizing relaxation and social bonding.

• Activities included singing, dancing, and engaging in philosophical debates, fostering cultural and intellectual life.

• Many vases used in the symposion featured decorative motifs illustrating this rich social tradition.

Graves and Burial Practices

Graves in ancient Greece reflect the cultural significance attributed to the dead:

• Grave markers evolved from early geometric vases into elaborate stone sculptures, artistically commemorating the deceased.

• Burial practices included:

  • Prothesis: The laying out of the body for mourning at home, allowing the community to pay respects.

  • Ekphora: The ceremonial procession from home to the burial site, often a significant public event.

• Types of burials varied:

  • Cremation: Ashes were often stored in decorative vases, signifying purity and remembrance.

  • Inhumation: Bodies were laid in lined tombs, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife and community ties.

• Significant grave goods included pottery, jewelry, and personal items reflecting the individual's life, status, and the merging of domestic artifacts with burial rituals.

Key Terms

• Agora: Central public space in Greek city-states for markets and gatherings, representing civic life.

• Stoa: A colonnaded structure used for various civic functions, providing shelter for gatherings.

• Kline: Couch used during symposia for socializing, highlighting leisure and camaraderie.

• Ekphora: Funeral procession from home to the cemetery, marking the importance of public mourning.

• Prothesis: The laying out of the body in preparation for funerary rituals, underscoring cultural practices surrounding death.

Further Reading

1. Boardman, J.: Greek Sculpture: The Archaic Period: A Handbook.

2. Cahill, N.: Household and City Organization at Olynthus.

3. Kurtz, D. C. and Boardman, J.: Greek Burial Customs.

These suggested titles cover various aspects of Greek art and civilization, from architectural innovations to complex burial practices, enriching the understanding of Greek cultural heritage.