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Myron, Discus Thrower
Type: Roman copy of a bronze original
Date: 450 BCE
Height: 5 ft
Location: Nazionale Romano, Rome
Polykleitos, Spear Bearer
Type: Roman copy
Date: 450 BCE
Height: 12 ft
Location: Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples
Philosophy of Beauty:
Beauty arises from the commensurability and symmetry of parts.
Example of symmetry includes:
Finger to finger
Fingers to the palm
Palm to the wrist
Wrist to forearm
Forearm to upper arm
This symmetry is essential and is supported by his treatise named the Canon.
Supporting Information: Claudius Galenus referenced this canon and the statue aligned with these tenets.
Kresilas, Pericles
Type: Roman copy of a bronze original
Height: 6 ft
Date: 429 BCE
Location: Vatican Museum
Tholos (Thymele) of Epidaurus
Type: Architectural plan
Date: 4th century BCE
Location: Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus
Description:
Sanctuary of the god Healer Asclepius in Epidaurus experienced significant development.
Various structures reflect ornamental forms influencing later Hellenistic architecture.
Thersilion Theatre at Megalopolis
Date: Approximately 340 BCE
Purpose: Built for political and religious gatherings
Significance: High level of architectural sophistication.
Structure Features:
Massive hall supported by 67 Doric columns
Columns arranged on five interwoven L-shaped porticoes
Design ensures unobstructed visibility for audiences.
Polycleitus the Younger, The Epidaurus Theater
Date: ca. 350 BCE
Characteristics:
Displayed mathematical precision in proportions.
Underwent significant expansion in the 2nd century.
The Tholos of Delphi
Date: 375 BCE
Location: Delphi, Greece
Polykleitos the Younger, Corinthian Capital
Date: 350 BCE
Location: From the tholos, Epidauros, Greece
Hellenistic Period Overview
Philip of Macedon:
Aimed to liberate Delphi during the Sacred War.
Faced opposition from Athens at Thermopylae.
Peace secured through negotiations allowing him control over Delphi and southern Greece.
Ambition included conquering the entire Greek peninsula, leading to the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE, where he defeated Athens and Thebes.
Formation of a New League:
Proposed to campaign against Persia, an idea promoted by Athenian orators like Isocrates.
Assassination: Philip was assassinated in 336 BCE, leaving his son Alexander in charge.
Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE):
Tutored by Aristotle; aimed to fulfill his father's ambitions.
Secured victories against Persians at battles like Granicus River and Issus.
Merged Greek and Persian styles of governance.
Continued expansion into Phoenicia and Egypt and traveled to the Indus River.
Head of Alexander the Great
Date: 3rd Century BCE
Material: Marble
Height: 12 in
Location: Archaeological Museum, Pella
Lysippus, Weary Herakles
Date: 320 BCE
Type: Roman statue from the baths of Caracalla, Rome.
Gnosis, Stag Hunt
Date: 300 BCE
Location: Archaeological Museum, Pella
Height: 10 ft
Hades Abducting Persephone
Description: Detailed wall painting
Date: 336 BCE
Location: Tomb 1, Vergina, Greece.
Philoxenos of Eretria, Battle of Issus
Date: ca. 310 BCE
Dimensions: 9 ft x 17 ft
Location: House of Faun, Pompeii.
Choragic Monument of Lysikrates
Date: 334 BCE
Location: Athens.
Paionios of Ephesos and Daphnis of Miletus, Temple of Apollo
Date: 300 BCE
Location: Didyma, Turkey.
Significance: Architectural design showcases advanced techniques and a blend of artistic styles.
Shrine of Apollo Floor Plan
Details:
Inner court, staircase, ramp, and various amphitheater elements detailed.
Arrangement and dimensions presented with respect to the grand architectural style of the period.
Restoration and Archaeological Findings
Priene, Turkey: Restored view from the 4th century BCE and later.
Altar of Zeus, Pergamum Museum: Reconstructed west front dated ca. 175 BCE, Berlin.
Dying Gaul
Description: Depicts a Gallic chieftain’s defiance through suicide rather than surrender in the aftermath of Attalos I's victory over the Gauls.
Artistic Elements: Highlights distinct features of Gauls including their long hair, mustaches, and prominent neck bands (torques).
Winged Victory
Location: Louvre.
Alexandros of Antioch-on-the-Meander, Aphrodite (Venus de Milo)
Date: ca. 150-125 BCE
Material: Marble.
Height: 6'7"
Location: Musée du Louvre.