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The term Ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek
history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca. 1100 BC and
the Dorian invasion, to 146 BC and the Roman conquest
of Greece after the battle of Corinth.
It is generally considered to be the seminal culture which
provided the foundation of Western civilization. Greek
culture had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire,
which carried a version of it to many parts of Europe.
3)
The civilization of the ancient Greeks has been
immensely influential on the language, politics,
educational systems, philosophy, science, and arts,
giving rise to the Renaissance in Western Europe and
again resurgent during various neo-Classical revivals in
18th and 19th century Europe and the Americas.
Important Types of Greek Construction/Terms
1) Shaft
2) Lintel/Architrave
3) Column
4) Capitol
5) Entablature
6) Frieze
7) Cornice
8) Pediment
9) Stylobate
10) Ranking Cornice
The Three Orders of Decorative Style
The Three Orders of Decorative Style
The Doric Order
The principle feature is a simple, heavy column
without a base, topped by a broad, plain
capitol.
a) The Parthenon was built using this
style.
The Three Orders of Decorative Style
2) The Ionic Order These columns had an
elaborate base and a capitol carved into
double scrolls that looked like the horns of
a ram.
a)This style was more elegant than the
Doric order.
b)This style was suitable from small
temples.
c)Was later used on lager structures: EX.
Erechtheum-which is located near the
Parthenon and contained the famous
porch, “Porch of Maidens”
d) Temple of Athena Nike was built using
this style.
3) The Corinthian Order
This style of capitol is elongated and
decorated with leaves.
a) Most elaborate of a 3 orders
b) This style was originally used on
only columns inside of a building, but
later was used on the outside as well.
c)The Monument of Lysicrates is a
great example of this style.
Famous Greek Architecture
The Acropolis
Famous Greek Architecture: The Acropolis
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Is a mass of rock that rises abruptly 500ft above
the city.
This erected city on the hill was like a giant
pedestal that symbolized the glory of Athens.
The Acropolis is made up of several buildings that
included: temples, statues, massive flights of
stairs.
The western border is where the huge statue of
Athena is located. Her spear served as a signal to
ships at sea.
The statue of Athena was created by the famous
sculptor Phidias.
http://www.history.com/topics/ancient
-greece/videos#deconstructinghistory-the-acropolis
Famous Greek Architecture
The Parthenon
Famous Greek Architecture
The Parthenon
1. Pericles, the Athenian leader, used funds from the treasury of
the Delian League to build the Parthenon.
2. It took 10 years to complete the Parthenon.
3. This structure represented the Greek Architecture to the fullest
with the use of: a) post-and-lintel construction
b) Sloping or gabled roof
c) Colonnade
4. Its a simple rectangular building placed on a 3 stepped
platform.
5. It contained 2 rooms: 1)Had the Treasury of the Delian League
(smaller room), 2) Contained a large gold/ivory statue of
Athena (larger room).
Famous Greek Architecture
The Parthenon
6) Religious ceremonies were held outside in front of the
Parthenon by the people of Athens.
7) Not many people were allowed in the Parthenon, so because of
this, there was NO need for windows or interior decorations.
8.) All the attention was placed on the exterior of the building:
a) Bright colors were used to paint the structure.
b) Blues, reds, greens and yellows were used.
c) Gold was used for detailed purposes.
9) Much of the exterior decorations have since worn away due to
weather exposure.
Famous Greek Architecture
Temple of Athena Nike
Famous Greek Architecture
Erechtheum
Porch of the Maidens
Famous Greek Architecture
Temple of Athena Nike
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Built on the Acropolis between 427-424 BC
It was a place of worship.
It was much smaller then many of the other
buildings on the Acropolis.
Nike means “Victory” and the Greeks worshipped
Athena as the goddess of wisdom.
It’s style was Ionic and a four column structure.
Famous Greek Architecture
Erechtheum
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It’s a temple located directly opposite the
Parthenon.
Erechtheus was a legendary king of Athens who
was supposedly the foster son of Athena.
This building was unique because it had two
porches, one larger than the other.
One of these porches is known as the “Porch of
the Maidens”
The roof of the “Porch of the Maidens” is
supported by six caryatids or columns carved to
Four Major Greek Styles
Vases, etc. were decorated in
Geometric style exhibit painted horizontal bands
filled with patterns: bands covering the entire vase
or object usually had triple lines dividing patterned
zones at regular intervals.
Geometric Style(900-700 BCE)
Archaic Style(700-625 BCE) Greek artists try to
achieve realistic likeness in picturing the human
figure, and the statues are a far cry from the
extremely abstract figures of the geometric style
which preceded. In fact, the statues show the
influence of Egyptian art in its stiffness,
gracefulness, and idealization.
Is characterized by a joyous
freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and it
celebrates mankind as an independent entity.
Artist’s worked in expressing the human figure in a
more naturalistic manner.
Classical Style(480-325 BCE)
This era expanded it’s formal
horizons with dramatic posing, sweeping lines, and
high contrast of light, shadow and emotions. The
conventions and rules of the classical period gave
way to the experimentation and a sense of freedom
that allowed the artist to explore his subjects from
different unique points of view.
Hellenistic Style(325-30 BCE)
GEOMETRIC PERIOD:
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Votive offerings of bronze and terracotta, and painted scenes
on monumental vessels attest to a renewed interest in figural
imagery that focuses on funerary rituals and the heroic world
of aristocratic warriors and their equipment.
The armed warrior, the chariot, and the horse are the most
familiar symbols of the Geometric period.
Surviving material shows a mastery of the major media—
turning, decorating, and firing terracotta vases; casting and
coldworking bronze; engraving gems; and working gold.
1) The only significant medium that had
not yet evolved was that of
monumental stone sculpture—largescale cult images most likely were
constructed of a perishable material
such as wood.
2) Instead, powerful bronze figurines
and monumental clay vases manifest
the clarity and order that are, perhaps,
the most salient characteristics of
Greek art.
Archaic Style
GREEK VASE WORK
1) Vases during this period started out as being
decorated with bands of simple geometric
patterns which included: triangles, lines and
simple stick figures. (Geometric Period)
2) Many of the vases were used in much the
same way as tombstones are used today as
grave markers.
3)
In pottery, the Archaic period sees the development of
the Orientalizing style , which signals a shift from the
Geometric Style of the later Dark Ages.
4)
Later on, many of the figures were added to these
vases. Many of the figures appear on either side that
represents the deceased.
5)
Over time, these vases became more life like and
began to tell stories.
EXAMPLE: Vase with Ajax and Achilles Playing Dice
This vase was created by the artist Exekias
Vase with Ajax and Achilles Playing
Dice
1) This particular vase was created by the artist Exekias.
2) It’s an image of 2 Greek generals playing a board game.
3) They story is set up like a modern day comic strip.
4) They are having a verbal conversation between each other.
5) They are so immersed in their game, for a brief moment they have
forgotten they are at war and they are two ordinary people lost in a
friendly board game.
Exekias’ Use of Realism
1)
Exekias wanted to make his vase design (Ajax and Achilles)
seem as realistic as possible.
2) He carefully drew in the facial features, hands and feet, even though
the eyes have an Egyptian art feel to them.
3) His particular design and layout complements the vase he painted it
on:
Example 1: The curved backs of the figures follow the curves of
the vase.
Example 2: The lines of the spears continue the lines of the two
handles and then carry the viewers eye to the board game.
4) The board game is the Focal Point (or) Emphasis of the art piece.
5) During this time artists used less and less of the once popular
Geometric Style and also artists began signing their work.
Vase with Ajax and Achilles Playing Dice
Learning the Importance of Greek sculptures :
WHY and HOW they were created:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8
8gXWW3qN7o
Archaic Period Sculpture
Sculpture in limestone and marble, terra cotta,
bronze, wood and rarer metals was used to adorn
temples and funerary monuments both free-standing
and in relief. The themes were mythical or from daily
life. Life-size statues began suddenly at about 650
BC.
2) During the period, the major sculptural forms were
the kouros and its female equivalent the kore.
1)
Greek Sculptures: Archaic Period
1) Sculptors during this period concentrated on carving large,
freestanding figures known as: a) Kouroi-Plural form of Kouros
meaning youth.
b) Korai- Plural form of Kore meaning maiden.
Greek Sculptures: Archaic
Period
Kouros Sculpture
1) This was a sculpture of a male youth who was either a
god or an athlete.
2) It resembles Egyptian sculptures in that it has a stiff and
stright pose.
For Example: Both legs are flat on the ground.
3) Sculptors later learned how to fix this pose to look more
natural and relaxed by bending and twisting their figures.
4) Details of hair, eyes, mouth and chest are exactly alike
on both sides which is another similar feature to
Egyptian art.
Kouros Sculpture
5) A Greek style incorporated is the separation of the arms
from the body and the open space between the legs.
6) There is a debate that this sculpture represents the sun
god Apollo (or) he is a great athlete.
7) His facial features are unusual to Greek sculpture in that
there’s the appearance of A) bulging eyes, B) square
chin and C) a mouth with slightly up turned corners.
8) Sculptors during this time, wanted their sculptures to
look more natural and THE USE OF A SMILE WAS A
STEP IN THAT DIRECTION!
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Hera of Samos
The Hera of Samos was a female sculpture which is
also known as a Korai.
Korai were clothed women, often goddesses that were
carved during the Archaic Period.
She looks like a stone cylinder and she has the same
stiff pose as the Kouros. BUT the one arm is held
lightly against the body and the feet are placed very
close together.
There are NO open spaces or separation like the
Kouros, BUT there is the use of a surface pattern
(lines) which adds textural interest.
The folds in the garment gently follows the subtle
curves of the figure.
This statue is roughly 6 ft in height and was an
Hera of Samos
The Classical Period
Art Historians today divide this period into three phases, based on the formal qualities
of the art:
1)
Early Classical Period (480-450 BCE)
2)
Mature Classical Period (450-400BCE)
3)
Late Classical Period (400-325 BCE)
The Classical Period
1) The
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Early Classical period is deemed to have begun after
Athens’ double defeat of the Persian invaders in 490 and 479
BC but a new feeling of self-confidence was already in the air
about 500 BC, possibly as a result of the firm establishment of
democracy in Athens 10 years earlier.
By now the Archaic color and pattern were gone from vase
painting, to be replaced by sobriety and dignity....
This brief period is more than a mere transition from Archaic
to Classical; in the figurative arts a distinctive style developed,
in some respects representing as much of a contrast with what
came afterward as with what went before.
Its name—Severe style—is in part an indication that the
“prettiness” of Archaic art, with its patterns of drapery and its
decisive action,...
Early Classical Period Art
(Sculpture)
GREEK VASE WORK
1) Geometric Style
2) Archaic Style
3) Classical Style
4) Hellenistic Style
**Focused more on sculptures
and
steered away from the vase
paintings.
Greek Sculpture: Classical Period
During this period, sculptors became more BOLD and
SKILLFUL in that they did away with straight, stiff
poses and made their figures appear to move in
space.
Myron’s Discus Thrower is a perfect example of
this.
Myron’s Discus Thrower
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Another name for this sculpture is Discobolus which
was created by the sculptor: Myron.
Myron did a wonderful job of doing away with the old
blocky and rigid poses and replaced it with a “athletic
action.”
Myron was known for creating his sculptures out of
bronze and he NEVER worked with marble, although
most of his art pieces are marble reproductions
produced during Roman times.
Most of the ancient Greek’s sculptures were either
destroyed, melted down, lost or ruined so the
sculptures you see today were made later on by the
Romans.
Sculptures from the Acropolis
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Phidias was responsible for many of the Greek sculptures
you see today. He was one of the greatest Greek sculptors
and creator of the 2nd sculpture to be discussed: Athena
Parthenos
Phidias also took part in creating other decorations for the
Parthenon, in the form of a frieze, which included 350
people and 125 horses in relief sculpture form. It was in
honor of the parade they held every 4 years to celebrate
Athena.
a) Procession of Horsemen is a small example of Phidias’
relief sculptures.
b) This work is a great example of movement because of
Phidia’s use of light and shadow carved into the drapery
and negative space.
Athena Parthenos
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It stood at 42 feet.
Her skin was made of the whitest ivory
One ton of gold was used to fashion her armor and garments
Precious stones were used for eyes and as other decorations.
A full scale re-creation is located Nashville, TN.
Nike Fastening her Sandal
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This is a relief sculpture found in the Temple of Athena Nike.
It was created by an unknown sculptor.
She is bending down to fasten her sandal.
Another great example of movement is strongly shown in the
carved drapery.
You can CLEARLY see the amazing strides Greek sculptors have
made within 150 year period when comparing this sculpture with
Hera of Samos.
Nike Fastening her Sandal
Polyclitus’s Spear Bearer
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Polyclitus was another famous Greek Sculptor from the Classical
Period.
He was famous for introducing the form called Contrapposto.
(pg. 183)
He specialized in creating sculptures of youthful athletes.
EX. Doryphoros=Spear Bearer.
This sculptor is a great example of Contrapposto because:
a) The left leg is bent and the toes lightly touch the ground.
b) The body is slightly turned to show movement so it looks more
life like.
c) The right hip and left shoulder are raised.
d) The head is tipped forward and turns to the right.
e) Action is kept to a minimum but the sculpture exudes
athletic strength.
Polyclitus’s Spear Bearer
Hellenistic Period: Sculptures
1) This was a period when Greek culture and non-Greek culture’s were
blended with the help of Alexander the Great because he admired
Greek culture so much he wanted to spread the culture world
wide.
2)
Sculptors during this period were extremely skillful and confident.
3)
They created dramatic and often violent sculptures made of
bronze and marble.
4)
Sculptors were very interested in faces because they can hold so
much emotion.
5)
Emotional expression was more important than beauty. Whereas
Classical sculpture focused on balance and harmony.
6)
A great example of this new style is the sculpture: A Dying Gaul
The Dying Gaul
1)This sculpture was originally made from bronze.
2) It was created as a celebratory monument of a victory
over the Gauls –which were fierce warriors from the
north.
3) This sculpture is the is the final moments of a Gaul who
was fatally wounded in battle.
4) The sculptor goes to great lengths to incorporate details
which include: flowing blood, open wound, pain in the
face through distorted features.
5) As a viewer, you are meant to become involved in the
drama of a dying Gaul. The sculptor wants you to share
and feel his pain and loneliness right before he dies.
The Dying Gaul
Nike of Samothrace
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This sculpture was created to celebrate a naval victory.
It’s a sculpture of a winged Nike=goddess of victory.
The way it was created gave it a look as if it were part
of the bow of a ship.
The details in her garments portray (or) imply the
ocean breeze is whipping through her garments.
This immense detail implies movement-as if she were
really standing on the front of the ship.
It was discovered in 1875 on a hillside in Samothrace
with NO head or arms and in 118 pieces.
Nike of Samothrace
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The Seated Boxer
This is a bronze sculpture that was discovered
on Rome.
This is a sculpture of a young but mature
athlete (a boxer) resting after suffering a brutal
loss.
The details of the swollen nose, battered
checks, scratches and sweat are very
apparent and really shows the skill(s) of the
artist.
There’s no mistake that the joyless expression
on his face shows he infact, lost.
Drastic Changes in Greek Sculptures
**The growth of Greek sculpture can be
traced through an examination of the
gods, goddesses and athletes created
from the Archaic period to the Hellenistic.
1) Sculptured figures produced during the
Archaic Period were solid and stiff. Ex.
Kouros and Korai.
Drastic Changes in Greek Sculptures
2) During the Classical Period, sculptors had
achieved near perfection in balance, proportion
and sense of movement.
Ex. The Discus Thrower
* A later Classical work, The Spear Bearer, is
a great example of balance, harmony and
beauty.
3) The Hellenistic Period brought sculptures that
reflected very dramatic and emotional art pieces.
Ex. The Seated Boxer
http://www.history.com/videos/greekgods?cmpid=MRSS_Bing_HIS#greek
-gods