Table of Contents
Period: 850 BCE – 31 BCE
Characteristics: Ideals, balance, order
Events: Athens defeats Persia (490 BCE), Peloponnesian Wars (431 BCE – 404 BCE), Alexander the Great’s conquests (336 BCE – 323 BCE)
In our last post, we explored the art of Ancient Egypt. We learned how their art depicted gods, pharaohs, and the afterlife. The main thing is that it was highly symbolic. It was created using various mediums and conveyed religious and political messages. Their art and architecture still capture the imagination of many people and make children dream of becoming archaeologists.
Today, we learn not only about the art of Ancient Greece but also about Hellenistic art. Ancient Greek art focused on humanism, portraying the realistic yet idealised human form. On the other hand, Hellenistic art was characterised by its emotional intensity, realistic illusions, and theatricality. While Ancient Greek art was created between the 8th century BCE and the 6th century CE, Hellenistic art emerged after Alexander the Great’s conquest in the 4th century BCE. Both art forms have significantly impacted Western art and society, leaving an undeniable mark on modern architecture.
Ancient Greek Art
Ancient Greek art has a rich history that spans over a thousand years, from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. Various factors, including religion, politics, and social customs, influenced the art produced during this time. Greek artists were renowned for their skill in working with multiple materials, from marble and bronze to terracotta and gold. They were also known for their attention to detail and ability to capture their subjects’ essence in their work.
Sculptures in the Art of Ancient Greece
One of the most significant types of Ancient Greek sculpture was the kouros, which depicted the ideal male form. These statues, made of marble or limestone, represented young men in their prime with toned muscles and a confident stance. Greek artists meticulously sculpted delicate elements such as hair curls and muscle definition, resulting in lifelike and awe-inspiring works of art.
Marble sculptures were not the only type of culture Ancient Greek art included. They also did bronze statues, for example. These statues were often made using the lost-wax method. The lost-wax method involved creating a wax sculpture model and then covering it in clay. It was heated until the wax melted and flowed out, leaving a mould that could be filled with bronze to create the final statue. This process resulted in extraordinarily detailed and lifelike works of art that captured the intricacies of the human body in ways that marble sculptures could not.
Pottery in Ancient Greece
Pottery, produced in large quantities, was a significant aspect of Ancient Greek art. The Greeks used various pottery techniques to create their masterpieces, including red-figure pottery, black-figure pottery, and white-ground pottery.
Red-figure pottery was the most prominent style, and it involved painting figures in red on a black background. This technique was widely used in the 5th century BCE, allowing for more intricate and detailed designs. On the other hand, black-figure pottery involves painting figures in black on a red background. This technique was prevalent in the 6th century BCE and was gradually replaced by the red-figure style. White-ground pottery was a third technique used by the Greeks, and it involved painting figures on a white background. This style was particularly popular for funerary vases.
Their pottery also came in many shapes. One of the most essential types of Ancient Greek pottery was the krater. This large vase was more practical than ornamental. These vases were used for mixing wine and water at symposia or drinking parties. Even these utilitarian goods, however, were adorned with complex themes from mythology, frequently showing the exploits of gods and heroes. The vases’ artistry and attention to detail demonstrated the Greeks’ view that beauty should be an inherent part of everyday life.
Ancient Greek Architecture
Ancient Greek architecture is characterised by its simplicity, symmetry, and use of columns and pediments. The Greeks developed three distinct orders of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These columns were used in temples, public buildings, and homes throughout Greece. The Greeks also developed advanced techniques for constructing large, open spaces, such as theatres and stadiums. These structures were built to withstand the elements and the test of time, and many examples of ancient Greek architecture still stand today.
One of the most famous examples of Ancient Greek architecture is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its construction began in 447 BCE and took nearly ten years to complete. The temple’s dimensions and proportions were calculated with great precision, resulting in a sense of harmony and balance that continues to inspire awe. Additionally, the temple’s walls and pediments were adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures that showcased the exceptional skills of Ancient Greek artisans.
Hellenistic Art
Hellenistic art marks a significant shift in the history of art, as it deviated from Classical Greek art’s idealised forms and static poses. With the decline of Greek influence after Alexander the Great‘s death, regions previously under Greek control gained more freedom. This newfound freedom is also evident in Hellenistic art, where strict rules are relaxed.
Characteristic of Hellenistic Art
One of the most prominent features of Hellenistic art was the emphasis on individuality. Artists were interested in portraying their subjects’ unique personalities and characteristics, and they did so with unprecedented detail and realism. They focused on understanding human anatomy and how the body moved and appeared in action.
Another significant aspect of Hellenistic art was its focus on drama and emotion. Artists sought to explore the full range of human emotions, from joy and passion to sadness and despair. They employed dynamic poses and expressions to convey these emotions, creating powerful and poignant works. In contrast, Classical sculptures prioritised idealised portrayals over emotional representation.
Hellenistic art was also characterised by its technical innovation. Artists experimented with new materials and techniques, such as bronze casting and mosaic-making, which allowed them to create increasingly complex and detailed works. While pottery declined in popularity, metalworking and glassblowing flourished, opening up new possibilities for art.
Examples of Hellenistic Art
The Laocoön Group and the Venus de Milo are two famous examples of Hellenistic art. The Laocoön Group is a sculptural group from the first century BCE that depicts Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons being assaulted by sea serpents. The sculpture is known for its dramatic composition, which conveys the figures’ suffering and struggle.
On the other hand, Venus de Milo, sculpted in the second century BCE, is a well-known Hellenistic sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite standing with her arms wide. It is revered for its delicate and exquisite composition and is now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Both of these sculptures are renowned for their artistic beauty. They are considered to be among the finest examples of Hellenistic art.
Conclusion
Greek and Hellenistic art differ in their focus and approach to representing the human form. Greek art aimed to show the ideal human form, while Hellenistic art sought to capture the complexity and depth of human emotions. Both art periods have produced some of the greatest masterpieces of ancient art, and their legacy has influenced art and culture throughout the centuries.
