Overview
This video provides a concise but comprehensive summary of Greek art from its formative stages through the Hellenistic era, highlighting significant periods, artistic developments, and key figures.
Foundations of Greek Civilization
- Greek culture developed gradually from Cretan, Mycenaean, and Dorian influences.
- The transition was not immediate, unfolding over several centuries.
- The Hellenic Middle Ages (end of 12th–8th century BC) marked a decline in writing and technology.
Periodization of Greek Art
- Greek civilization is commonly divided into: Hellenic Middle Ages, Archaic Age, Classical Age, and Hellenistic Age.
- Some historians consider the Hellenic Middle Ages only as a formative period, not truly "Greek."
Artistic Developments in the Hellenic Middle Ages
- Noteworthy art forms: earthenware and vase painting.
- Styles evolved from Protogeometric (simple, Mycenaean-influenced) to Geometric (decorated with patterns like meanders).
- Dipylon Vase exemplifies funerary art of this period.
Archaic Age and Temple Architecture
- Economic and cultural growth led to the rise of city-states (poleis).
- Temples became the primary architectural focus, each with specific design elements (columns, entablature, pediment, naos, pronaos).
- Three main architectural orders: Doric (simple, massive, no base), Ionic (slender, ornate, volutes, base), Corinthian (elaborate acanthus leaf capital, developed later).
- Temple layouts included tholos, in antis, prostyle, amphiprostyle, peripteral, and dipteral forms.
Archaic Sculpture and Painting
- Introduction of kouroi (nude young men) and korai (clothed young women) statues, influenced by Egyptian art.
- Greek painting was important, but few works survive besides decorated vases.
Classical Age Achievements
- Post-Persian Wars, rationality and naturalism became artistic ideals (mimesis).
- Sculptures aimed for idealized human representations, balancing aesthetics and morality.
- Use of athletes as artistic models symbolized physical and moral ideals.
- Greek sculptures were originally painted and often made of bronze; many marble works are Roman copies.
Key Artists and Architectural Projects
- Myron of Eleutheres: known for naturalistic representations and studies of movement.
- Peak of classicism occurred under Pericles in Athens, marked by the reconstruction of the Acropolis.
- Phidias directed the sculptural program for the Parthenon, introducing the "wet drapery" style and creating chryselephantine works.
- Polykleitos established the "Canon" of proportions and the principle of chiasmus in sculpture.
Transition to the Hellenistic Age
- After Athens' defeat and the rise of Macedon, art shifted towards emotional expression and individualism.
- Praxiteles focused on sensual, nostalgic works; Skopas emphasized dramatic intensity.
- Hellenistic art was characterized by theatricality, naturalistic portraits, and even representations of "ugliness" (e.g., Boxer at Rest).
- Classicist movements revived earlier styles, influencing Roman art; notable works include the Nike of Samothrace and Venus de Milo.
Summary of Artistic Periods
- Hellenic Middle Ages: Vase-focused formative phase.
- Archaic Age: Statues with rigid conventions, kouroi and korai types.
- Classical Age: Artistic peak, focus on proportion, movement, and balance.
- Hellenistic Age: Theatricality, emotional display, and realism gain prominence.
Recommendations / Advice
- For students: clarify with your teacher whether the Hellenic Middle Ages are considered part of Greek civilization for exam purposes.
- Watch the instructor’s video on Cretan and Mycenaean art for foundational context.