ANCIENT GREEK ART (c. 480 BCE - 500 AD)

by Jo Colley 00:56 0 comments

Ancient Greek Art is typically celebrated for it's idealist imitation of perfection to the point of distortion, but focused mostly on the building of a new empire; the majority of early Ancient Greek Art was from Sparta or Athens, and can be attached to the perfect human form in sculpture or the innovative features of architecture and new types of building to house a newly democratic city in Athens. Later on, this would move into the Hellenistic Greek Art period in which the style of art making spread to all of the Greek Islands. Ancient Greek art would later shape and influence Classical Roman Art.

The Origin of Drawing can also be an accolade attributed to the Greeks, with the idea of Dibutades and the first relief sculpture in order to preserve the memory of his daughter's distant boyfriend for her. Despite this being considered an average Greek myth, this has influenced much of Classical Greek art in it's experimentation with the ideal human figure.

During this period, Ancient Greece had developed into an almost modern society in it's application to  mathematics, arts, literature etc. thanks to minds such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates which have become an influence in today's Western World. The Ancient Greek era of art started only years after the establishment of democracy in Athens.

Greek Architecture

When looking at Greek Architecture, the Three Orders must be understood in their derision from the human form; Doric, Ionic and Corinthian structures which vary in form from masculine styles to the feminine design of the Ionic and Corinthian. Firstly, the Doric column does not rest on a platform, but on the ground below as shown in the Temple of the Delions, Delos. Secondly, the Ionic structure consists of a base which separates the stylobate and the column's shaft, decorated with paired scrolled volutes curling from the column's top. Finally, Corinthian columns are noted for their tapered shaft with very intricate detailing of leaves and scrolls. Classic examples of architecture unique to Ancient Greece include the Temple of Hera (550 BCE), or the Acropolis (c. 500 BCE). The Acropolis is an example of a typical Greek structure with doric columns and a shallow roof or pediment. Despite the Acropolis being slowly degraded, it has maintained a strong basic shape.

The Acropolis, Athens, built around 500 BCE, features doric columns and a shallow roof or pediment.

Greek Sculpture

Greek sculpture and it's illustration of the human form is based on the theme of idealism rather than realism, attempting to replicate the strength and beauty of the Gods. Greek figures were strong and proportioned to the point of distortion to reach a level of perfection considered unnatural. These classic sculptures often incorporated use of the golden ratio to guide figures into the most aesthetically appealing proportions.

An example of the perfection of Greek Sculpture is Myron's Diskobolus (Disk Thrower) from 440 BCE r highlights the athleticism required for Ancient Greek Sculpture, as most male figures were either sportsmen or warriors, this sculpture in particular gives us an insight into the lifestyles and aspirations of the Greek era. This sculpture is made of bronze, standing at a height of 61 inches.

Myron's "Diskobolus" (Disc Thrower) c. 450 BCE

It can be noted in relation to this sculpture, that the figure is of optimum body type, in an Olympians pose to highlight the perfection of it's tone and muscle. It also embodies the perfect proportions as idealized by the Ancient Greeks.

It should also be recognized that most Greek sculpture from this time period has degraded over time, only leaving a colourless tone to the figures, while if seen during their initial conception, they would have been created in vibrant colours despite the common trend of misconception is that these sculptures were intended to be colourless or white. An example of what a restored or original sculpture would have looked like can be seen below as opposed to the modern style devoid of 'polychroming'.

"Peplos Kore" from Acropolis, Athens c. 530 BCE around 48 inches in height.

The early Greek sculpture above indicates that despite popular belief, the art of the Ancient Greeks had the ability to be vibrant and bold, mostly focusing on reds, and primary and secondary colours, i.e.. deep blues and greens. This is important as it shows how the level of preservation of this Ancient type of art is vital to it's modern legacy and how it is perceived today.

Greek Theatre

The beginnings of entertainment were celebrated by the Greeks in a more social manner, with infrastructure dedicated this art form.

Polykleitos the Younger Theatre, built c. 350 BCE in Epidauros, Greece.

The theatre above is a famous and typical example of how an amphitheatre is structured, situated upon a hillside in order to help the audience visually and acoustically in order to overlook the centre stage. However, nowadays, these have become classic evidence of Greek civilization, with infrastructure like this and ancient examples of architecture become essential to the Greek tourism industry.

The Greek Tragedians also had a profound impact on the way that performance art, screenplays and acting all worked with three geniuses which impacted and changed the way theatre worked. Firstly, Aeschylus was responsible for the creations of sequels and trilogy as well as applying a second character to create a more dynamic dialogue over the writing of eight plays. Secondly, Sophocles mastered the adding of a third actor in order to add more drama in a complex scene, this served to strengthen characters through subtle characterization and plot. An example of a Sophocles masterpiece is Oedipus the King. Finally, Euripides was known for his ability to develop a new stance on Greek mythology.

To sum up the art of Ancient Greece, it has left us with it's sculptural forms of idealism and athleticism, but has also created millennia lasting structures of architecture such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Artemis. Much of which artwork is a feature of modern marvel of ancient techniques.