Greek Art and Architecture

Depiction of the Human Form

Key Figure: Kritios Boy
- Introduction of contrapposto (weight shift) in sculpture
- Represents a significant innovation in the depiction of the human form

Vocabulary: Important to describe the progressive changes in human form depiction
Recognition: Key structures on the Acropolis and important sculptures and reliefs
Influential Sculpture: Laocoön

Canon of Proportion: Artistic rule fitting nature and human form
- Example: Nautilus shell's perfect 2:1 proportion
- Applied to human bodies and architecture
Pythagorean Theorem: 2:1 ratio used in both art and architecture
Renaissance Connection: Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci
- Reference to Vitruvius, ancient mathematician
- Illustrates perfect proportional ideas in human form depiction

Olympic Athlete: Depiction in the canon of proportion
Roman Copies: Roman marble copies of Greek bronzes
- Identification: Presence of tree trunk or ceramic stand
- Reason: Demand for bronzes exceeded supply
Key Features: Vigorous sense of action, tension in muscles, peak of action

Modern-Day Photo: Hill called the Acropolis
Key Developer: Pericles
- General in Greek army
- Gathered tax money from all over Greece to fund projects
Important Structures: Focus on four
- Parthenon
- Propylaea (Entrance structure)
- Erectheion (Porch of the Maidens)
- Temple of Athena Nike (Important reliefs)

Classical Greek Temple: Utilization of entasis (columns wider at center)
Architectural Design: Precise schematic drawings
- Combination of Doric and Ionic columns
- Represents Athens as leader of all Greeks
Historical Context: State of disrepair and decay
- Christian Church (5th century AD)
- Turkish Mosque (15th century AD)
- Stored gunpowder, later blown up and shelled (1687)
Current State: Efforts to restore and take care of it
Architects: Iktinos and Kallikrates
Artistic Representation: Painting showing possible original appearance
- Double set of columns, frieze inside and outside
- Intended for gods, not humans

Greek Art and Architecture: Blend of mathematical precision and artistic expression
Legacy: Influence on later periods, especially the Renaissance