Ancient Greek Art & Architecture: A Comprehensive Study
Ancient Greece: Humanism and Historical Periods
In ancient Greece, humanity was considered the axis and measure of all history and fundamental principles. Consequently, great importance was given to the exterior and public life. We can highlight three significant periods in Greek art and culture: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.
Greek Architecture: Temples and Orders
In Greek architecture, the temple is the most emphasized edifice, characterized by several key features:
- A gable roof
- A *pediment* (the triangular section above the entablature)
- An *entablature* (comprising the *architrave*, *frieze*, and *cornice*)
- A columned portico
The *cella* (or *naos*) is the inner chamber housing the god’s statue. The *pronaos* is the porch in front of the cella. The *crepidoma* consists of steps, with the *stylobate* being the top step upon which the columns stand.
Classical Orders of Columns
Attending to the type of columns, we find three main orders:
- Doric: Characterized by a simple capital (consisting of an *abacus* and *echinus*), a *frieze* with *triglyphs* and *metopes*, an *architrave*, and a shaft that rests directly on the stylobate without a base.
- Ionic: Features a *cornice*, a continuous *frieze* (often with reliefs and paintings), an *architrave*, a capital with distinctive *volutes* (scrolls), and a *base*.
- Corinthian: Similar to the Ionic order in its slender shaft and base, but distinguished by its elaborate capital adorned with *acanthus leaves*.
Notable Architectural Masterpieces
The Parthenon: Doric Masterpiece
The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, is a *Doric* temple, characterized by its sturdy columns and low-rise structure, standing on a *stylobate*. Its entablature comprises an *architrave*, a frieze with *triglyphs* and *metopes*, and a *cornice*. This *octastyle* temple features two porches and an interior *hexastyle* arrangement. The frieze of the *cella* famously depicts the *Panathenaic Procession*.
Temple of Athena Nike: Ionic Elegance
The Temple of Athena Nike (Nike Apteros), dedicated to the goddess of victory, is a small *Ionic* temple. It features elegant scrolls and a frieze adorned with reliefs. Rectangular and *tetrastyle amphiprostyle*, it contains a very small *cella*.
The Erechtheion: Unique Ionic Temple
The Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, is notable for its unique multi-level distribution. It is of the *Ionic* order, featuring slender column shafts, bases, and capitals with scrolls. A distinctive feature is the *Porch of the Caryatids*, where sculpted female figures serve as supporting columns. The complex appears to be a union of different sanctuaries; the sanctuary of Athena is presided over by a *hexastyle* portico, and there is another *hexastyle* porch, followed by a third porch with the Caryatids.
Theater of Epidaurus: Acoustic Wonder
The Theater of Epidaurus is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and well-preserved structure, a testament to ancient Greek engineering.
Greek Sculpture: Evolution Through Periods
Greek sculpture evolved significantly across three main periods:
Archaic Period Sculpture
In this period, representations of *Kouroi* (naked young men) and *Korai* (clothed young women) predominated. *Kouroi* are characterized by:
- Hair laid in geometric shapes
- Almond-shaped eyes
- An archaic smile
- Arms held stiffly along the body
- A triangular torso
- One leg slightly advanced, forming an inverted triangle at the knee
These sculptures show Egyptian influence. *Korai* typically wear a *chiton* (robe) and veil; the folds of the robe are often rigid. Their faces share characteristics with male figures, and sometimes one arm is bent.
Early Classical Period Sculpture (5th Century BCE)
The mid-5th century BCE marked the beginning of the Early Classical period. Key sculptors of this era include Myron, Phidias, and Polykleitos.
Myron: Capturing Fleeting Motion
Myron, creator of the *Discobolus* (Discus Thrower), masterfully captures a fleeting instant – the peak moment of effort as the athlete prepares to throw the discus. The sculpture is well-rounded, and the anatomy is remarkably achieved, often described with two curved lines and a zig-zag composition.
Phidias: Master of Grand Narratives
Phidias, author of the *Elgin Marbles*, depicted subjects such as the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the dominance of Athens, the birth of Athena, and the Panathenaic Procession. He excelled in foreshortening, the treatment of ‘wet drapery,’ and anatomical detail.
Polykleitos: The Canon of Proportions
Polykleitos meticulously studied anatomy and established a *canon* of ideal human proportions. His most important work is the *Doryphoros* (Spear-Bearer).
Late Classical Period Sculpture (4th Century BCE)
During the 4th century BCE, the Late Classical period saw the rise of influential sculptors such as Lysippus, Praxiteles, and Scopas.
Lysippus: Redefining Proportions
Lysippus redefined the canon of proportions, setting the head as one-eighth of the body’s total height. His most important work is the *Apoxyomenos* (the Scraper), depicting a young athlete cleaning himself with a strigil.
Praxiteles: The Praxitelean Curve
Praxiteles, known for the *Praxitelean curve* (a graceful S-shaped pose), created masterpieces such as *Hermes with the Infant Dionysus*.
Scopas: Emotion and Movement
Scopas’s major contribution includes work on the *Mausoleum at Halicarnassus*. His *Maenads* are famous for their contorted bodies, conveying a strong sense of movement and emotion.
Hellenistic Period Sculpture
In the Hellenistic Period, sculpture became more realistic and naturalistic, emphasizing the representation of pain, dynamic movement, grandeur, colossal scale, liveliness, and dramatic emotion. Some of the most significant works include *Laocoön and His Sons*, the *Dying Gaul*, the *Venus de Milo*, and the *Winged Victory of Samothrace*.