Ancient Greek Art: Beauty, Harmony, and Enduring Influence
What is Considered Transcendent Art in Ancient Greece?
Ancient Greeks sought to create works that would remain relevant and enduring. They valued elements that gave life meaning and strove for permanence in their art.
What Ideals Did the Greeks Base Their Art On?
Greek art was primarily based on Mesopotamian and Egyptian art. Their ideal of beauty was directly related to harmony, proportion, and measured numbers.
Why Did the Greeks Consider Beauty Supreme?
The Greeks considered supreme beauty a virtue. They revered beauty, and its most important basis was primarily in aesthetics.
What Influences Were Directly Present in Greek Art?
Greek art had two main influences: the influence of beauty and the influence of perfection, derived from Mesopotamian and Egyptian art.
When Did Greek Art Begin?
Greek art began in the eighth century BC.
The Orders of Greek Columns
Ionic Order
Characterized by elegance and richness. Its sophistication contrasts with the Doric order.
Doric Order
Displays a rigid and sober sense, distinguished by its simplicity and proportion.
Corinthian Order
The most ornate variant of the Ionic order, distinguished by its elaborate capitals.
Who Did Greek Temples Shelter?
The god Apollo.
Parts of the Orders
Architrave
A piece placed on the base of the capital.
Frieze
A piece that presents triglyphs and guttae, decorations with historical themes.
Cornice
A part formed by a body.
Who Did Greek Temples Shelter?
Greek temples sheltered the image of the divinity.
Parts of a Greek Theater
- The scene at ground level, had rotating decorations.
- The circular orchestra was intended for the choir.
- The tier for the public had a semicircular shape and surrounded the orchestra.
Most Famous Greek Theaters
The Theater of Epidaurus and the Odeon, a similar edifice devoted solely to concerts.
Greek Sculpture: The Archaic Period
The first examples of Greek sculpture from the time of the Doric version. Statues of wood were used, which were above the Alice and ebony. It is possible that they were multicolored. No statues of this type have survived.
Brief Biographies of Great Sculptors
Phidias
The master of naturalism, idealized classical perfection in sculpture and was the master of perfect balance between expression.
Polyclitus
Creator of the canon of his name, he was always concerned with providing the human body and the weighting of the masses in various attitudes.
Praxiteles
Lived in the last stage of classical antiquity when the gods became too human, and ways to begin manifesting passion in their faces.
Scopas
Belonged to the Attic school, working extensively in the Peloponnese and Asia Minor. Among his best works are: Meleager, Menado furious, and the frieze of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Lysippus
A very prolific and innovative bronze artist with master’s works. His figures show more slender proportions and somewhat small heads, as the body of men such as the saw without idealizing them as his art is displayed somewhat naturalistic.
Praxiteles, Lysippus, and Scopas: Main Works
They were antiwedad Venus as seen in the most beautiful statue in the world. Represent a woman Phryne, totally naked, suggesting the female form and in one smooth motion.
Scopas: Meleager Menado furious and the frieze of the mausoleum holicornaso.
Lysippus: Figures represent their slender proportions. His art shows somewhat naturalistic.
Greek Painting: Most Famous Painters
Polygnotus
A teacher, praised for his frescoes. Aristotle said that they portrayed men bigger than they are, of course referring to his spirit.
During IV AC. were celebrated and the pinttores zeusis Parrasio.
Apelles was one of the great painters and specializes in works quite laborious
Ceramics of Dipylon
Characterized by frank geometric ornamentation marked with rhythm and very stylized human figures.